study 1 of 2

noun

ˈstə-dē How to pronounce study (audio)
Definition of studynext
1
as in investigation
a systematic search for the truth or facts about something conducted a study to determine the sleep needs of adolescents

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance
2
as in daydreaming
the state of being lost in thought found her staring at the fire in a deep study

Synonyms & Similar Words
3
as in consideration
a careful weighing of the reasons for or against something the idea is under study by the city council

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

study

2 of 2

verb

1
as in to research
to use the mind to acquire knowledge you'll have to study hard and learn all about the Revolutionary War in order to pass the history test

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2
as in to learn
to commit to memory having carefully studied the document, he could repeat what it said exactly

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in to debate
to give serious and careful thought to scientists who study the origin of the universe

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb study differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of study are consider, contemplate, and weigh. While all these words mean "to think about in order to arrive at a judgment or decision," study implies sustained purposeful concentration and attention to details and minutiae.

study the plan closely

When might consider be a better fit than study?

The meanings of consider and study largely overlap; however, consider may suggest giving thought to in order to reach a suitable conclusion, opinion, or decision.

refused even to consider my proposal

When would contemplate be a good substitute for study?

The synonyms contemplate and study are sometimes interchangeable, but contemplate stresses focusing one's thoughts on something but does not imply coming to a conclusion or decision.

contemplate the consequences of refusing

When is weigh a more appropriate choice than study?

Although the words weigh and study have much in common, 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 study
Noun
The study, published in JAMA Network Open on April 9, analyzed four years of nationwide data from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. — Chantelle Lee, Time, 9 Apr. 2025 There's less water in the mantle beneath the farside of the moon than in the mantle on the nearside, according to studies of the precious lunar samples brought back to Earth by China's Chang'e 6 mission. — Keith Cooper, Space.com, 9 Apr. 2025
Verb
Through these activities, students learn about AI concepts such as the strengths and weaknesses of AI compared with human intelligence along with paleontology concepts such as the fossil record or the information that can be learned about the history of life on Earth by studying fossils. — Christine Wusylko, The Conversation, 9 Apr. 2025 In a pivotal scene in the season finale, Piper comes to the realization that her plan to stay at a monastery for a year and study Buddhism isn't going to work. — Ralphie Aversa, USA Today, 9 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for study
Recent Examples of Synonyms for study
  1. consideration
  2. research
  3. learn
  4. debate
  5. examination
  6. trance
  7. deliberation
  8. read
Noun
  • In an event where wind is not a consideration, Cathedral Catholic’s Jocelyn Gibson edged Patrick Henry’s Miriam Aguirre in the girls 1,600 at UC.
    — Steve Brand, San Diego Union-Tribune, 6 Apr. 2025
  • However, there are several considerations to keep in mind when amending soil.
    — Anthony Reardon, Kansas City Star, 4 Apr. 2025
Definition of consideration
Verb
  • As the institute has grown and evolved, its scientists now research construction, oil and gas extraction, firefighting, law enforcement and service work.
    — Catherine Blackwood, Scientific American, 17 Apr. 2025
  • Someone can start researching caregiving and ways for siblings to share the responsibility.
    — R. Eric Thomas, Denver Post, 16 Apr. 2025
Definition of research
Verb
  • Designed to be a language-learning tool in your pocket, the app's popularity has skyrocketed.
    — Alice Gibbs, Newsweek, 10 Feb. 2025
  • Tuesday, 2/25 Bake cornbread and learn the history behind Southern soul food at the Fenway Community Center, 3-4pm.
    — Steph Solis, Axios, 10 Feb. 2025
Definition of learn
Verb
  • Callahan said the uncertainty is why many are debating whether to buy or sell shares and why companies such as Klarna, StubHub and Chime are reportedly delaying their initial public offerings.
    — Medora Lee, USA Today, 7 Apr. 2025
  • At that time, the members will debate three options.
    — Wade Davis, Rolling Stone, 6 Apr. 2025
Definition of debate
Noun
  • Each of those studies was itself a meta-analysis, based on an examination of data from a number of other prior independent studies.
    — Emily Kay Votruba, EverydayHealth.com, 14 Apr. 2025
  • Trump did not undergo anesthesia during his examination, according to Leavitt.
    — Mabinty Quarshie, The Washington Examiner, 11 Apr. 2025
Definition of examination
Noun
  • Lady Gaga is in a trance from Lucy Dacus covering one of her Mayhem songs.
    — Marina Watts, People.com, 2 Apr. 2025
  • Occasionally, Shackleton will enter a trance imagining certain climactic sequences, before cracking himself up and breaking his own spell.
    — J. Kim Murphy, Variety, 28 Jan. 2025
Definition of trance
Noun
  • The State Department declined on Thursday afternoon to comment on the deliberations.
    — Erin Mansfield, USA TODAY, 21 Mar. 2025
  • The new bill has been forwarded to a parliamentary committee for deliberation on the percentages to be contributed.
    — Compiled by Democrat-Gazette Staff From Wire Reports, arkansasonline.com, 21 Mar. 2025
Definition of deliberation
Verb
  • As the verdict was read, Way looked straight ahead.
    — Nancy Dillon, Rolling Stone, 10 Apr. 2025
  • Way, who smiled as the initial $4 million verdict was read, was cleared on claims of false imprisonment and constructive discharge.
    — Steven J. Horowitz, Variety, 10 Apr. 2025
Definition of read

Phrases Containing study

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studs
study
studying
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Cite this Entry

“Study.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/study. Accessed 21 Apr. 2025.

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