contemplate

verb

ˈkän-təm-ˌplāt How to pronounce contemplate (audio)
Definition of contemplatenext
1
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

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
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

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 Santos-Griswold contemplated quitting the sport. —Pien Huang, NPR, 9 Feb. 2026 After the Jets released Rodgers last March, the quarterback contemplated his future before signing a one-year contract with Pittsburgh in June. —Peter Sblendorio, New York Daily News, 8 Feb. 2026 Collecting vinyl, clubbing at Berghain, contemplating polyamory—this is cool. —Joshua Rothman, New Yorker, 6 Feb. 2026 Proponents of such laws cite potential conflicts of interest between public interests and private ones, particularly when lawmakers or officials are contemplating a move from one sphere to the other. —Paul Egan, Freep.com, 4 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for contemplate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for contemplate
  1. ponder
  2. intend
  3. consider
  4. plan
  5. entertain
  6. hope
  7. debate
  8. mean
Verb
  • Here's a fascinating premise to ponder!
    — Jeff Spry, Space.com, 14 Feb. 2026
  • Seven years ago, Williams was sitting in his bed in his New York studio apartment, eating pizza out of the box and pondering where to take his career.
    — Tara Larson, Footwear News, 13 Feb. 2026
Definition of ponder
Verb
  • This message is not intended to shame or judge anyone.
    — Ashley Carnahan, FOXNews.com, 10 Feb. 2026
  • Its reduced weight and compact architecture are intended to support rapid relocation after firing, allowing the launcher to limit exposure to counter-battery fire.
    — Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 9 Feb. 2026
Definition of intend
Verb
  • To strengthen the economy, Texas must rein in local spending, increase transparency, expand audits of cities, counties, and universities, and consider local spending caps so taxpayers aren’t saddled with unsustainable obligations.
    — Eleanor Dearman, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 14 Feb. 2026
  • Though she initially was considered missing, the urgency to quickly find Guthrie pulsed through the first days of media coverage because of her heart condition.
    — Hannah Fry, Los Angeles Times, 14 Feb. 2026
Definition of consider
Verb
  • The Chinese government reacted by telling Chinese citizens not to travel to Japan, threatening economic retaliation, and pulling the plug on meetings that were long planned, putting a pretty deep freeze on China-Japan relations.
    — Isaac Chotiner, New Yorker, 10 Feb. 2026
  • Piagentini said Republicans plan to obtain and publish Davis’ shock probation decisions online so voters can better understand her rulings.
    — Monroe Trombly, Louisville Courier Journal, 10 Feb. 2026
Definition of plan
Verb
  • View Outside’s longstanding literary storytelling tradition comes to life in audio with features that will both entertain and inform listeners.
    — Outside Online, Outside Online, 11 Feb. 2026
  • The material contained on this site is intended to inform, entertain and educate the reader and in no way represents an inducement to gamble legally or illegally or any sort of professional advice.
    — Ray Padilla, Louisville Courier Journal, 11 Feb. 2026
Definition of entertain
Verb
  • Maxwell could also hope to use her potential testimony before Congress as leverage going forward.
    — Bart Jansen, USA Today, 10 Feb. 2026
  • Both parties are missing the chance to offer reforms that would truly bring prices down and give younger voters hope.
    — Neetu Arnold, Washington Post, 10 Feb. 2026
Definition of hope
Verb
  • Policymakers are interested too, debating whether public policy and taxpayer money should be used to propel off-site construction from niche application to a regular, if not dominant, feature of the industry.
    — Ben Christopher, Los Angeles Times, 14 Feb. 2026
  • While many countries still debate how electric air travel should work, China is already laying the foundation.
    — Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 14 Feb. 2026
Definition of debate
Verb
  • The designation would mean no change for the hundreds of private property owners in the zone.
    — Susanne Rust Follow, Los Angeles Times, 12 Feb. 2026
  • That means eating pasta, spaghetti sauce, sweet potatoes, frozen fruit and yogurt, while forgoing items like clementines and fresh vegetables.
    — Tami Luhby, CNN Money, 12 Feb. 2026
Definition of mean

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contemns
contemplate
contemplated
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Cite this Entry

“Contemplate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/contemplate. Accessed 16 Feb. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on contemplate

Nglish: Translation of contemplate for Spanish Speakers

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