contemplate
verb
con·tem·plate
ˈkän-təm-ˌplāt 
-ˌtem-
contemplated; contemplating
1
: to view or consider with continued attention : meditate on
contemplate the vastness of the universe
contemplated the meaning of the poem
2
: to view as likely or probable or as an end or intention
contemplate marriage
contemplated a move to Alaska
Examples of contemplate in a Sentence
He contemplated the meaning of the poem for a long time.
I'd like some time to just sit and contemplate.
She stood and quietly contemplated the scene that lay before her.
Recent Examples on the Web
Levine Cava is reportedly contemplating $25 million in savings from the Parks budget, but the details aren’t known.
—
Miami Herald, 11 July 2025
The question of how to deal with the fracturing has scientists contemplating the best course of action.
—Jack Knudson, Discover Magazine, 11 July 2025
To grasp this, contemplate how many 19th century Americans worked six days per week, from dawn to dusk, on farms.
—John Tamny, Forbes.com, 8 July 2025
In the documentary, his former assistant Sebastian Pons says that at the end of his final fashion show in 2009, McQueen contemplated killing himself.
—Catherine Santino, People.com, 8 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for contemplate
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Miami Herald, 11 July 2025
The question of how to deal with the fracturing has scientists contemplating the best course of action.
—Jack Knudson, Discover Magazine, 11 July 2025
To grasp this, contemplate how many 19th century Americans worked six days per week, from dawn to dusk, on farms.
—John Tamny, Forbes.com, 8 July 2025
In the documentary, his former assistant Sebastian Pons says that at the end of his final fashion show in 2009, McQueen contemplated killing himself.
—Catherine Santino, People.com, 8 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for contemplate
Cite this Entry
“Contemplate.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/contemplate. Accessed 19 Jul. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
contemplate
verb
con·tem·plate
ˈkänt-əm-ˌplāt
ˈkän-ˌtem-
contemplated; contemplating
1
: to view or consider with careful and thoughtful attention
2
: to have in mind : plan on
contemplating a trip
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