Definition of cogitatenext

Synonym Chooser

How is the word cogitate different from other verbs like it?

Some common synonyms of cogitate are deliberate, reason, reflect, speculate, and think. While all these words mean "to use one's powers of conception, judgment, or inference," cogitate implies deep or intent thinking.

cogitated on the mysteries of nature

When is it sensible to use deliberate instead of cogitate?

The words deliberate and cogitate can be used in similar contexts, but deliberate suggests slow or careful reasoning before forming an opinion or reaching a conclusion or decision.

the jury deliberated for five hours

When might reason be a better fit than cogitate?

Although the words reason and cogitate have much in common, reason stresses consecutive logical thinking.

able to reason brilliantly in debate

When is reflect a more appropriate choice than cogitate?

In some situations, the words reflect and cogitate are roughly equivalent. However, reflect suggests unhurried consideration of something recalled to the mind.

reflecting on fifty years of married life

When can speculate be used instead of cogitate?

While in some cases nearly identical to cogitate, speculate implies reasoning about things theoretical or problematic.

speculated on the fate of the lost explorers

In what contexts can think take the place of cogitate?

The words think and cogitate are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, think is general and may apply to any mental activity, but used alone often suggests attainment of clear ideas or conclusions.

teaches students how to think

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 cogitate If there’s an algorithm directing the AI to cogitate on a close object in its field of vision, instead of wandering around in the background, that will target the attention, and decrease the energy cost of the model running. John Werner, Forbes.com, 24 Feb. 2026 After a wild but winning January, stock market bulls have little to complain about but plenty to cogitate over. Michael Santoli, CNBC, 2 Feb. 2026 Instead of accelerating the singular, the company’s leadership is doing like Isaacson and cogitating in logic. Big Think, 3 Nov. 2025 What made those songs work, and these, is the sound of Byrne’s mind cogitating inside them. Will Hermes, Rolling Stone, 4 Sep. 2025 Yet the evidence for cogitating pond scum grows daily. Rowan Jacobsen, Scientific American, 1 Feb. 2024 With the eruptions and disruptions of digital mass culture as its Ferrari-level engine, often represented by the roaring drama of sport, Pfeiffer’s art cogitates on power as an ongoing campaign waged between the individual and the crowd. Christopher Knight, Los Angeles Times, 15 Nov. 2023 While Wall Street and Private Equity leaders have the time to leisurely cogitate the long view, business leaders (CEO’s, CMO’s, etc) have to make commitments today with real dollars based on their best guesses about the state of the consumer next fall and spring. Greg Petro, Forbes, 22 Apr. 2022 As his characters cogitate and self-medicate, scheme and philosophize, his subject is less the content of their thoughts than the mind contemplating itself. Washington Post, 11 June 2021
Recent Examples of Synonyms for cogitate
Verb
  • The idea that consumer taxes would be one of them is hard to contemplate.
    Jim Cramer, CNBC, 29 Mar. 2026
  • The slow burn of Santos getting repeatedly plowed over with stress and emotion has led her to contemplate self-harm again.
    Maggie Fremont, Vulture, 27 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • Who ever ponders the conveniences of that 20th-century innovation, the airplane, that makes 21st-century hustle possible?
    CBS News, CBS News, 29 Mar. 2026
  • But news is expected soon on the Hall of Fame KU coach, who is pondering his future after having heart problems the past few years.
    PJ Green, Kansas City Star, 26 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • The kids' menu is tempting for adults and youngsters alike, and if in doubt, a ride in the golf carts that come with each villa will be more than enough to keep everyone entertained.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 2 Apr. 2026
  • The notion of relying on Kurdish forces as a national alternative was briefly entertained, then abandoned.
    Kazem Kazerounian, Hartford Courant, 1 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • Overland Park is considering building new community pools as part of its widespread parks and recreation master plan.
    Taylor O'Connor, Kansas City Star, 5 Apr. 2026
  • Families should consider making a nutritious snack available an hour or so before sports practices so children with that earlier lunch time have energy available to fuel activities.
    Dr. Sarah Kinsella, Boston Herald, 5 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • Pop culture depictions of school shootings have often stoked controversy, with many viewers debating the line between storytelling and sensitivity.
    Saba Hamedy, NBC news, 3 Apr. 2026
  • As lawmakers debate, business owners like him remain worried about getting served with lawsuit papers.
    Kate Wolffe, Sacbee.com, 3 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • Turnover is very common in large, urban districts, where superintendent transitions are often fraught, according to Jason Grissom, a Vanderbilt University professor who studies school district leadership.
    Kate Armanini, Chicago Tribune, 2 Apr. 2026
  • The science payload to be landed there includes seismometers, a drill to allow emplacement of heat flow and electrical conductivity probes, and instruments to study the magnetic field and surface weathering.
    Richard Tribou, The Orlando Sentinel, 2 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • Still, some critics have questioned the role of law enforcement on school campuses, particularly in secondary schools, raising concerns that such programs can feel more like surveillance than support.
    Mona Darwish, Oc Register, 4 Apr. 2026
  • The hidden cost of going back to school Students are increasingly questioning the value proposition of higher education.
    Jake Angelo, Fortune, 4 Apr. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Cogitate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/cogitate. Accessed 5 Apr. 2026.

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