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 From a young age, Noah was observant and contemplated what was happening around him. Emy Lacroix, People.com, 14 Mar. 2025 Still, Democrats seek to follow in Sanders’s footsteps and are contemplating town halls of their own in a bid to put Republicans on defense. Lauren Green, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 14 Mar. 2025 This can include teens crying, contemplating self-harm, and even harming themselves or others. Jolene Almendarez, USA TODAY, 11 Mar. 2025 The pathway to achieving 80% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2030 did not contemplate surging demand from date centers. Allen Best, The Denver Post, 10 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for contemplate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for contemplate
Verb
  • Many Americans have taken to social media to ponder what a democratic country looks like without a federal agency at the helm of education.
    Kayla Jimenez, USA TODAY, 13 Mar. 2025
  • Lim has obviously pondered this cosmic music at length.
    Alex Ross, The New Yorker, 10 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • Conceived by architect Gilbert Stanley Underwood, who later went on to design several of America’s iconic national park lodges, the building was intended to fold seamlessly into its environment—working to complement the natural beauty of its surroundings rather than overpowering it.
    Sophie Mendel, Travel + Leisure, 23 Mar. 2025
  • To be built close to junction 10 of the M1 motorway for easy access by car, it was intended to have a removable grass pitch, which would have made Luton the first club to use such technology.
    Tom Burrows, The Athletic, 23 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • If the Dodgers are in town, consider catching a ball game.
    Sheila Yasmin Marikar, AFAR Media, 19 Mar. 2025
  • To diversify your color wheel, consider a pair of cobalt-blue Puma Speedcats, Loewe’s mishmash of pinks, or Cos’s affordable siren red option, designed in a low-profile shape.
    Cortne Bonilla, Vogue, 19 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • The team plans to debut Painter in July after a successful return (so far) from Tommy John surgery that knocked out his past two seasons.
    Anthony Stitt, Forbes.com, 27 Mar. 2025
  • Things didn't quite go as the scientists planned, however, resulting in an extremely miffed bunch of people consigned to a life in dingy tunnels.
    Richard Edwards, Space.com, 26 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • Carter gave up smoking and took up swimming and—a basis for a musical, perhaps—entertained Bette Midler and her husband.
    Nathan Heller, The New Yorker, 15 Mar. 2025
  • Such preachy, doctrinaire, often repellant art may be made to draw attention to this or that social issue, but it is surely not produced to entertain.
    Peter Tonguette, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 14 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • Kansas City finished second in the AL Central last season and hopes to take the next step in 2025.
    Jaylon Thompson, Kansas City Star, 17 Mar. 2025
  • The networks hope to sell the bulk of their commercial inventory ahead of the debut of their next cycle of programming.
    Brian Steinberg, Variety, 17 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • Listen to this article With the state spending $378 million last year on overtime, legislators are debating a controversial bill to eliminate overtime from state pension calculations.
    Christopher Keating, Hartford Courant, 26 Mar. 2025
  • The measure, which also aims to increase child care availability and capacity, is now being debated in a state Senate committee.
    Neha Mukherjee, CNN Money, 26 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • This meant many people started to want to be comedians, which fed into that culture of competition.
    Ollie Barder, Forbes, 22 Mar. 2025
  • The new Wood Finishing Series bourbon is called the Keepers Release, and it’s meant to be a tribute to the team that works in the distillery’s warehouses overseeing the maturation of the bourbon produced there.
    Jonah Flicker, Robb Report, 21 Mar. 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Contemplate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/contemplate. Accessed 29 Mar. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on contemplate

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!