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 Doubt is contemplated from a distance, with knowing confidence. Terry Nguyen july 23, Literary Hub, 23 July 2025 The location perplexes her privileged peers, who contemplate getting $100 worth of quarters for the vending machine and try to order a white wine at the bar. Tom Smyth, Vulture, 23 July 2025 That your grandson is now contemplating returning to racing is shocking. Abigail Van Buren, Boston Herald, 20 July 2025 To contemplate adding 10,000 housing units along Edgewater’s adjacent stretch of Broadway with minimal off-street parking requirements constitutes urban planning malpractice. Steve Weinshel, Chicago Tribune, 20 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for contemplate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for contemplate
Verb
  • The Rafael Devers blockbuster is probably the biggest deal that will go down, but the temptation is there to ponder other earthshaking possibilities, no matter how remote.
    Ken Rosenthal, New York Times, 11 July 2025
  • Viewing the team’s three-year stint here as an audition of sorts, officials have pondered if the local enthusiasm for baseball could help prove the Sacramento region as a welcome home for MLB.
    Sacbee.com, Sacbee.com, 10 July 2025
Verb
  • According to Renaissance Capital, cornerstone investors intend to purchase 20% of the shares in the offering.
    Beck Andrew Salgado, Austin American Statesman, 23 July 2025
  • Tuesday’s hearing is intended to determine what lessons could be learned from the investigation, what changes are necessary to make the system better and what challenges lie ahead.
    Jen Christensen, CNN Money, 22 July 2025
Verb
  • City officials are considering reinstating youth curfews, cracking down on problematic businesses, and holding parents accountable for their children's actions.
    David Ferrara, The Enquirer, 30 July 2025
  • Earlier that month, Dobie students, teachers and families learned the district is considering closing their 51-year-old campus or handing it over to a charter operator in the fall as a preemptive measure to stave off severe state sanctions.
    Keri Heath, Austin American Statesman, 30 July 2025
Verb
  • The school plans to kick off the upcoming high school football season with the new seating, which replaced crumbling concrete bleachers that were estimated at roughly 50 years old.
    Katie Nixon, The Tennessean, 25 July 2025
  • At a July 23 capital improvements committee meeting, questions were raised about why a report from the county's facilities planning steering committee recommended projects tied to maintenance and repairs at senior facilities be put on hold or not recommended at all for the 2026 budget.
    Vanessa Swales, jsonline.com, 25 July 2025
Verb
  • Mole Man / Harvey Elder has some scenes played by the always entertaining Paul Walter Hauser.
    Erik Kain, Forbes.com, 26 July 2025
  • 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, The Courier-Journal, 26 July 2025
Verb
  • Paribatra Na Ayudhya hopes his generation can be the one to ensure their survival.
    Melissa Cristina Márquez, Forbes.com, 14 July 2025
  • Sources close to Paramount told THR the studio remains in negotiations and hopes to have the show back on Paramount+ soon.
    Scott Roxborough, HollywoodReporter, 14 July 2025
Verb
  • In fact, as the country debates effective severe weather warning protocols in the aftermath of deadly flash flooding in Texas, the siren community has been vocal about their usefulness.
    Claudia Levens, jsonline.com, 25 July 2025
  • Each body will debate their respective positions, before the three enter into a trilogue to come to a final proposal.
    Jon McGowan, Forbes.com, 24 July 2025
Verb
  • But that doesn’t mean it can’t be used in the evening.
    Noma Nazish, Forbes.com, 1 Aug. 2025
  • The remote location and traditional safari tent construction mean the property doesn't meet standard ADA compliance requirements.
    Jenn Rice, Travel + Leisure, 31 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Contemplate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/contemplate. Accessed 5 Aug. 2025.

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