contemplate

1 of 2

verb

con·​tem·​plate ˈkän-təm-ˌplāt How to pronounce contemplate (audio)
-ˌtem-
contemplated; contemplating
Synonyms of contemplate

transitive verb

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

intransitive verb

: ponder, meditate
wanted time to just sit and contemplate
contemplator
ˈkän-təm-ˌplā-tər How to pronounce contemplate (audio)
-ˌtem
noun

contemplator

2 of 2

noun

con·​tem·​pla·​tor ˈkän-təm-ˌplā-tər How to pronounce contemplator (audio)
-(ˌ)tem-
plural -s
1
: a person who contemplates or is contemplative
2
obsolete : theorizer, speculator

Synonyms of contemplate

Relevance

Verb

See All Synonyms & Antonyms in Thesaurus
Choose the Right Synonym for contemplate

consider, study, contemplate, weigh mean to think about in order to arrive at a judgment or decision.

consider may suggest giving thought to in order to reach a suitable conclusion, opinion, or decision.

refused even to consider my proposal

study implies sustained purposeful concentration and attention to details and minutiae.

study the plan closely

contemplate stresses focusing one's thoughts on something but does not imply coming to a conclusion or decision.

contemplate the consequences of refusing

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

Examples of contemplate in a Sentence

Verb 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
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Verb
The trick is to contemplate the nonadventure in terms of the nonadventure. — Padgett Powell, Harpers Magazine, 30 June 2026 On this late May evening, the 15 men gathered there were contemplating tackling something few had previously had the courage or skill to take on. — Andrew J. Campa, Los Angeles Times, 19 June 2026 Heading into July 2026, then, many may be contemplating the value of getting started with a program now. — Matt Richardson, CBS News, 30 June 2026 At one point officials were contemplating a proposal for a hotel along with newer retail, and only three years ago paid a $2 million settlement to a previous developer who accused the town of reneging on a deal. — Don Stacom, Hartford Courant, 25 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for contemplate

Word History

Etymology

Verb

borrowed from Latin contemplātus, past participle of contemplāre, contemplārī "to look at fixedly, observe, notice, ponder," from con- con- + -templāre, -templārī, verbal derivative of templum "space of sky or land delimited orally by an augur, sacred precinct, building consecrated to a deity" — more at temple entry 1

Noun

Latin, from contemplatus + -or

First Known Use

Verb

circa 1533, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of contemplate was circa 1533

Rhymes for contemplate

See All Rhymes for contemplate

Browse Nearby Words

contemplant
contemplate
contemplatingly
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Contemplate.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/contemplate. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

contemplate

verb
con·​tem·​plate ˈkänt-əm-ˌplāt How to pronounce contemplate (audio)
ˈkän-ˌtem-
contemplated; contemplating
1
: to view or consider with careful and thoughtful attention
2
: to have in mind : plan on
contemplating a trip
contemplator
-ˌplāt-ər How to pronounce contemplate (audio)
noun

More from Merriam-Webster on contemplate

Nglish: Translation of contemplate for Spanish Speakers

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