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
  • Every one of his 70-odd dishes is intended to complement drink, not the other way around.
    Derek Sandhaus, Saveur, 10 July 2025
  • However, Hwang never intended that to be the message.
    Dani Di Placido, Forbes.com, 10 July 2025
Verb
  • The county had considered a flood warning system on the river similar to a tornado warning siren about six or seven years ago, but Kelly said the idea never got off the ground and the cost would have been an issue.
    Sasha Rogelberg, Fortune, 6 July 2025
  • If your apartment balcony, backyard patio, front porch, or garden corner could use a little love, consider adding a bistro set to your outdoor space.
    Mariana Best, Better Homes & Gardens, 5 July 2025
Verb
  • Florida plans on launching a six-month test run of the new accreditation process with six universities this December, according to the agency’s business plan approved unanimously by the Board of Governors in the Friday meeting.
    Miami Herald, Miami Herald, 12 July 2025
  • Eventually, the company plans to send 320 cases a month, or about 3,840 a year, to DOAH judges through 2027, according to a funding proposal approved by the company’s governing board last year.
    Ron Hurtibise, Sun Sentinel, 12 July 2025
Verb
  • Ventriloquist: Marc Griffiths the ventriloquist will entertain children during a Kids Summer Reading program at 10:30 a.m. Thursday, July 10 at the Poway Library, 13137 Poway Road.
    Pomerado News, San Diego Union-Tribune, 13 July 2025
  • More amusingly, the Red Bull-BORA-Hansgrohe backroom staff seemed to be entertaining their riders with some local trivia.
    Jacob Whitehead, New York Times, 12 July 2025
Verb
  • 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
  • Paribatra Na Ayudhya hopes his generation can be the one to ensure their survival.
    Melissa Cristina Márquez, Forbes.com, 14 July 2025
Verb
  • While addressing the overall tax environment and tax treatment of cryptoassets is beyond the scope of any one singular week there are specific items that lawmakers need to keep front of mind as stablecoins and cryptoassets more broadly are debated.
    Sean Stein Smith, Forbes.com, 11 July 2025
  • The exact circumstances and fuzzy details of the riot have been debated and researched for decades — including an urban legend that some cadets in College Station attempted to take a howitzer to Waco via a rail car.
    David Ubben, New York Times, 11 July 2025
Verb
  • That means one of those outfielders is likely to be traded or otherwise off the team in short order.
    Jon Vankin, MSNBC Newsweek, 8 July 2025
  • That means if companies do as Trump asks, then America can’t raise tariff revenue from them.
    David Goldman, CNN Money, 7 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Contemplate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/contemplate. Accessed 19 Jul. 2025.

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