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 Pakistan is also contemplating a new tax to help finance the completion of new dams. Betsy Joles, NPR, 8 July 2025 Reports have circulated that Nikola Vucevic’s trade value has declined in Chicago enough for the Bulls to contemplate buying him out. Bennett Durando, Denver Post, 6 July 2025 Spanish newspaper El País had published audio recordings over the weekend that appeared to contemplate such a plan. arkansasonline.com, 5 July 2025 While Leslie’s book is largely about Lennon, McCartney and their fruitful collaborations, contemplate what George Harrison became. John Tamny, Forbes.com, 2 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
  • This is particularly important for homeowners in fire-prone areas to consider, the James Hardie pro says.
    Patricia Shannon, Better Homes & Gardens, 15 July 2025
  • Below are a few more great options from Amazon to consider, starting at $20.
    Katie Jackson, Travel + Leisure, 15 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
  • 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
  • Mole Man / Harvey Elder has some scenes played by the always entertaining Paul Walter Hauser.
    Erik Kain, Forbes.com, 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
  • Doctors gave her a bag of medication, hoping to stabilize her liver function.
    Jordan Greene, People.com, 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
  • Controlling a fire means ensuring that the fire can't spread or cross the containment line.
    CA WILDFIRE BOT, Sacbee.com, 19 July 2025
  • The Justice Department further noted that no more files related to the case — other than a video meant to prove that Epstein killed himself — would be made public.
    Jessica Schladebeck, New York Daily News, 19 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Contemplate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/contemplate. Accessed 30 Jul. 2025.

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