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study

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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

Synonyms & Similar Words

2
3

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
Another recent study found that even short walks can be beneficial. Stephanie Brown, Verywell Health, 29 July 2025 Among parents of disabled children who experienced suicidal thoughts and behaviors while caring, more than half (53%) had never disclosed these thoughts or experiences to anyone, according to a 2024 study. Madeline Mitchell, USA Today, 29 July 2025
Verb
The 26-year-old is from New Jersey and is studying to be a physician's assistant. Bailey Richards, People.com, 30 July 2025 This can amplify that background source, an effect that astronomers use with Hubble and the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) to study extremely distant galaxies that would usually be too faint to see. Robert Lea, Space.com, 30 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for study
Recent Examples of Synonyms for study
Noun
  • Whether individual owners can capitalize on these opportunities depends on their specific circumstances and business approach, but the industry trends and financial data make a compelling case for serious consideration.
    Kimberly Wilson, Essence, 23 July 2025
  • The high court ruled unanimously Davis' case can proceed, remanding it back to Wayne County Circuit Court for consideration.
    Arpan Lobo, Freep.com, 23 July 2025
Verb
  • It's called a benefit cliff, said Pamela Herd, who researches government aid at the University of Michigan.
    Katheryn Houghton, NPR, 22 July 2025
  • The motivations behind the disaster tourists vary, said Heidelberg, who has spent more than a decade researching how local governments respond to disaster tourism.
    Lila Hempel-Edgers July 22, Charlotte Observer, 22 July 2025
Verb
  • Successful people are always learning—not always managing.
    Anne Sugar, Forbes.com, 23 July 2025
  • The Oscar winner’s eight-episode cyber thriller The Savant will premiere Friday, Sept. 26 on Apple TV+, with the first two episodes, TVLine has learned.
    Matt Webb Mitovich, TVLine, 23 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
Noun
  • The investigative department of the regional department of the Investigative Committee (IC) of Russia has now organized a procedural examination into the circumstances of the attack, the outlets reported.
    Latoya Gayle, People.com, 18 July 2025
  • During a vigorous cross examination, prosecutors parsed through his story, questioning him on his history with police officers.
    Madeline Buckley, Chicago Tribune, 18 July 2025
Noun
  • It’s shaped by my love of the melancholic songwriting traditions of Europe from composers like Monteverdi and John Dowland, all the way to ’90s Eurodance and the uplifting trance of the 2000s—artists like Gigi D’Agostino and Alice Deejay.
    Walden Green, Pitchfork, 8 July 2025
  • The Japanese slugger was introduced before each at-bat to loud roars that continued until a few seconds before the pitch, when the crowd went into a silent trance that’s normally reserved for events like Wimbledon or the Masters.
    David Brandt, Chicago Tribune, 20 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • After only a few hours of deliberation, the jury ruled in Hogan’s favor, awarding him $115 million in compensatory damages and an additional $25 million in punitive damages, for a total of $140 million.
    Chris Morris, Fortune, 24 July 2025
  • The jury of 11 white men, all but one of whom attended church regularly, returned a guilty verdict after nine minutes of deliberation.
    Randall Balmer, Twin Cities, 23 July 2025
Verb
  • The Sealey Challenge was started by poet Nicole Sealey in 2017 with a simple goal: read a book of poetry every day in August.
    James Folta, Literary Hub, 30 July 2025
  • That initiative brings travelers into local classrooms to read with students, share stories, and get a firsthand glimpse of island life beyond the resort.
    Laura Begley Bloom, Forbes.com, 30 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Study.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/study. Accessed 2 Aug. 2025.

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