contemplate

verb

ˈkän-təm-ˌplāt How to pronounce contemplate (audio)
Definition of contemplatenext
1
as in to ponder
to give serious and careful thought to she contemplated the problem for several hours before reaching a decision

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in to intend
to have in mind as a purpose or goal he waited patiently, contemplating revenge all the while

Synonyms & Similar Words

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb contemplate differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of contemplate are consider, study, and weigh. While all these words mean "to think about in order to arrive at a judgment or decision," contemplate stresses focusing one's thoughts on something but does not imply coming to a conclusion or decision.

contemplate the consequences of refusing

When would consider be a good substitute for contemplate?

The words consider and contemplate are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, consider may suggest giving thought to in order to reach a suitable conclusion, opinion, or decision.

refused even to consider my proposal

When might study be a better fit than contemplate?

While in some cases nearly identical to contemplate, study implies sustained purposeful concentration and attention to details and minutiae.

study the plan closely

When is it sensible to use weigh instead of contemplate?

The words weigh and contemplate can be used in similar contexts, but weigh implies attempting to reach the truth or arrive at a decision by balancing conflicting claims or evidence.

weigh the pros and cons of the case

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of contemplate Certainly, most underage girls should have the support and consent of their parents when contemplating such a drastic action. —Orlando Sentinel, The Orlando Sentinel, 23 May 2025 But viewers can also contemplate the complex history behind this global resort industry that seemingly unfolds endlessly from one season to the next. —Eric Kohn, HollywoodReporter, 21 May 2025 But nobody within the club is contemplating that possibility. —Matt Woosnam, New York Times, 17 May 2025 Tessa's contemplating a major move for her career while her estranged addict father forces his way back into her life. —Megan Vick, EW.com, 17 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for contemplate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for contemplate
  1. ponder
  2. intend
  3. consider
  4. plan
  5. entertain
  6. hope
  7. debate
  8. mean
Verb
  • California Democrats are now pondering the unthinkable.
    — Editorial, Boston Herald, 22 May 2025
  • The Sharks could have a lot to think about – or nothing to ponder at all.
    — Eric Stephens, New York Times, 20 May 2025
Definition of ponder
Verb
  • The move was intended to boost subscriptions to then-fledgling HBO Max.
    — Peter Kiefer, HollywoodReporter, 4 June 2025
  • Going forward, the owners intend to integrate Vinyl Me, Please with its VinylBox and VNYL brands as a sister operation specializing in premium audio.
    — Jazz Monroe, Pitchfork, 4 June 2025
Definition of intend
Verb
  • The Mark Twain House is reportedly considering tie-in events during the run in August.
    — Christopher Arnott, Hartford Courant, 30 May 2025
  • ISPs feared that their court loss would lead many other states to impose similar requirements, and some states are now considering legislation modeled on New York's.
    — ArsTechnica, ArsTechnica, 30 May 2025
Definition of consider
Verb
  • The reservation platform OpenTable reports 52% of consumers planned to go it alone at restaurants in 2025.
    — Lois K. Solomon, Sun Sentinel, 6 June 2025
  • The company apparently plans to use the design of the Vision Pro's visionOS software as a jumping-off point for the new designs, introducing more transparency and UI elements that appear to be floating on the surface of your screen.
    — ArsTechnica, ArsTechnica, 6 June 2025
Definition of plan
Verb
  • Volta gave demonstrations to scientific institutes across Europe with esteemed attendees, including Napoleon Bonaparte, and entertained audiences in theaters with electric devices.
    — Danny Robb, JSTOR Daily, 26 May 2025
  • It's marketed firmly at the latter, a STEM tool designed to educate and entertain children from 6 upwards, who have a burgeoning interest in space.
    — Chris McMullen, Space.com, 24 May 2025
Definition of entertain
Verb
  • Anyone who watches the Rolling Loud stream of Playboi Carti’s performance will be inundated with a constant flow of banner ads from a cavalcade of companies hoping to profit from their proximity to the biggest rapper in the world.
    — Hazlitt, Hazlitt, 28 May 2025
  • Reese and the Sky entered the season hoping to take a big step in the right direction.
    — Evan Massey, MSNBC Newsweek, 28 May 2025
Definition of hope
Verb
  • While the cause and eventual outcome can be debated, the immediate impact was felt with shares of Tesla falling 14% on Thursday.
    — JJ Kinahan, Forbes.com, 6 June 2025
  • The Senate passed the bill on a vote of 19 to 13, which happened more than 16 hours after the chamber was scheduled to debate it.
    — Kacen Bayless, Kansas City Star, 5 June 2025
Definition of debate
Verb
  • That means traveling on weekdays and taking the deal-seeking approach.
    — CNN Money, CNN Money, 1 June 2025
  • The reality is that siphoning road dollars for public transit would mean that critical projects to repair functionally obsolete bridges and unsafe roads in Cook County and across the state would no longer proceed as planned.
    — Chicago Tribune, Chicago Tribune, 1 June 2025
Definition of mean

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contemplate
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Cite this Entry

“Contemplate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/contemplate. Accessed 10 Jun. 2025.

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Nglish: Translation of contemplate for Spanish Speakers

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