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 To cope with losing is one of life’s great lessons — one Democrats have never contemplated. Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 2 June 2025 The existing plan contemplates a series of new towers between 325 feet and 650 feet high. Edward Keegan, Chicago Tribune, 1 June 2025 Taking time to contemplate or do nothing in particular is also a popular choice, I was told. Fran Golden, AFAR Media, 29 May 2025 Instead of a revolution, this new approach contemplated a middle way between capitalism and socialism, one premised on a cooperative relationship between workers and management. Time, 29 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for contemplate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for contemplate
Verb
  • Tyler Dragon ponders if Rodgers actually makes the Steelers better.
    Jim Reineking, USA Today, 7 June 2025
  • Tatis pondered the question of whether being hit has affected his hitting in any way.
    Kevin Acee, San Diego Union-Tribune, 4 June 2025
Verb
  • The move was intended to boost subscriptions to then-fledgling HBO Max.
    Peter Kiefer, HollywoodReporter, 4 June 2025
  • The period is intended to prevent market manipulation and to ensure potential investors receive relevant information from the company’s prospectus.
    Ron Hurtibise, Sun Sentinel, 4 June 2025
Verb
  • The practices once reserved for the Baloch, considered lesser citizens, are now expanding to other parts of Pakistan.
    Mahrang Baloch, Time, 10 June 2025
  • But unifying the roughly 50 canvases is a realism that digs beneath the surface to consider her subjects’ complex inner lives.
    Julie Belcove, Robb Report, 10 June 2025
Verb
  • Holmes, a retiree in her early 70s, was grieving the death of her son at the time, so her daughter planned a trip to San Juan, Puerto Rico, to help her through the difficult period, per the filing.
    Natalia Senanayake, People.com, 6 June 2025
  • One group — which registered itself as the Maryland Environment, Labor and Industry Coalition — planned to challenge the Next Generation Energy Act, and focus its campaign on trash incinerators, which will no longer receive a renewable energy subsidy under the law.
    Christine Condon, Baltimore Sun, 6 June 2025
Verb
  • The day of 19th-century-style outdoor recreation will feature a variety of traditional lawn games that once entertained early Californians, such as wheelbarrow races, sack races and tug-of-war.
    Linda Mcintosh, San Diego Union-Tribune, 6 June 2025
  • The audience is pulled in, and ultimately entertained, not just by the impeccable performances, but via an inside look at average, everyday people.
    Hugh McIntyre, Forbes.com, 6 June 2025
Verb
  • For a year and a half, Berg held to that promise, stalling, negotiating with her network bosses and her sponsors, hoping the crisis would blow over.
    Emily Nussbaum, New Yorker, 9 June 2025
  • On assignment for People magazine in 2005, Weiss attempts to sneak onto Brad Pitt’s beachfront compound in Santa Barbara, hoping to grab some tasty morsels about the megastar’s new relationship with Jolie.
    Marc Weingarten, Los Angeles Times, 9 June 2025
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
Verb
  • This is what 42% containment means Containment indicates what percentage of the fire perimeter has been surrounded by a control line.
    CA WILDFIRE BOT, Sacbee.com, 14 June 2025
  • But that doesn’t mean Patullo and Co. shouldn’t proactively prepare wrinkles to keep opponents on their toes.
    Brooks Kubena, New York Times, 13 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Contemplate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/contemplate. Accessed 18 Jun. 2025.

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