CONTEMPLATE Synonyms: 84 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

contemplate

verb

ˈkän-təm-ˌplāt

Definition of contemplate next

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

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

Examples 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 First, a little more about why contemplating the cosmos can be so good for you. —

Abbey Stone, SELF, 31 Oct. 2024 The song is interesting in the abstract, told through the perspective of Tyler and said mystery woman, contemplating whether to keep the baby. —

Jeff Ihaza, Rolling Stone, 30 Oct. 2024 At the same time, the growing body of research has revealed a greater abundance of settlements and cities than had previously been contemplated. —

Anna Lagos, WIRED, 30 Oct. 2024 The overall research agreement contemplated a number of performance milestone events that were expected to be achieved by the second quarters of 2023, 2024 and 2025. —

Daniel Libit, Sportico.com, 30 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for contemplate

Recent Examples of Synonyms for contemplate

Verb

The new album’s title track ponders the optimism of a postwar generation that saw itself as ushering in a golden age.

Mikael Wood, Los Angeles Times, 5 Nov. 2024
Earlier in the episode, Stephen ponders the liberties Nancy took when writing The Perfect Stranger.

Amanda Whiting, Vulture, 1 Nov. 2024