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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
But participants in the study offered several more human hypotheses, too. Billy Perrigo, Time, 15 July 2025 These results mirror those of studies from Washington state and North Carolina. Jesse Edwards, MSNBC Newsweek, 14 July 2025
Verb
May Improve Cholesterol Levels Omega-3 fatty acid supplementation has been studied in people with obesity, metabolic syndrome, and diabetes. Jennifer Lefton, Verywell Health, 15 July 2025 And many people who study emergency response agree that, to some degree, the agency needs reform. Zoë Schlanger, The Atlantic, 15 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
  • The youngest of seven siblings, Kelly learned to be resilient from an early age.
    Charlotte Harpur, New York Times, 23 July 2025
  • Eventually, the viewer learns that Cross has a personal connection to the position; his father-in-law once held it, and his tenure is still revered by both his family and his community.
    David Sims, The Atlantic, 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
  • 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
  • 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
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
  • One study found that increases in Medicaid eligibility at birth led to improvements in reading test scores in the 4th and 8th grades.
    Linda Darling-Hammond, Forbes.com, 16 July 2025
  • Also read: Former NFL Agent Predicts Terry McLaurin's Demands for Commanders Despite being five years older than Wilson, the 29-year-old has maintained elite production throughout his career, including five straight 1,000-yard seasons.
    Victor Williams, MSNBC Newsweek, 15 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Study.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/study. Accessed 29 Jul. 2025.

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