consider

verb

kən-ˈsi-dər How to pronounce consider (audio)
Definition of considernext
1
as in to regard
to think of in a particular way I consider him a very good friend

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance
2
as in to contemplate
to give serious and careful thought to carefully considering our options

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in to think
to have as an opinion consider the price too high

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
4
as in to anticipate
to give consideration to (as unexpected circumstances or contingencies) I had to consider the commute in deciding whether to take the job

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
5
as in to admire
to think very highly or favorably of her well-considered novels have seldom been best sellers

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb consider differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of consider are contemplate, study, and weigh. While all these words 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

In what contexts can contemplate take the place of consider?

The synonyms contemplate and consider 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 would study be a good substitute for consider?

The meanings of study and consider largely overlap; however, study implies sustained purposeful concentration and attention to details and minutiae.

study the plan closely

When could weigh be used to replace consider?

Although the words weigh and consider 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 consider Drinkwitz has said that Hardy needs to practice for two weeks before he would be considered for action in a game. — Pj Green october 25, Kansas City Star, 25 Oct. 2026 That gave the Boise State football staff plenty to consider ahead of their game with Washington State on Saturday. — Shaun Goodwin, Idaho Statesman, 25 Oct. 2026 Solar power and radioisotopes are seen as the shorter-term power solution on the moon with nuclear microreactors considered the permanent fix. — Jordan Blum, Fortune, 25 Oct. 2026 More recent polling suggests that statewide races in places considered to be even more in the GOP’s grip -- like Florida, South Carolina and Mississippi -- are closer than expected. — ABC News, 25 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for consider
Recent Examples of Synonyms for consider
  1. regard
  2. contemplate
  3. think
  4. anticipate
  5. admire
  6. call
  7. ponder
  8. believe
Verb
  • First introduced in Stephen King’s 1974 novel, Carrie, the character was immortalized in director Brian De Palma’s 1976 adaptation, widely regarded as one of the best horror films of all time.
    — ArsTechnica, ArsTechnica, 21 Oct. 2026
  • Sacramento County officials previously told The Sacramento Bee that there is no official local ordinance in the county code regarding pet burials.
    — Angela Rodriguez, Sacbee.com, 21 Oct. 2026
Definition of regard
Verb
  • Article 39 also contemplates an Accountability and Care Committee that helps to develop injury-surveillance systems and conducts investigations.
    — Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 26 Oct. 2026
  • Anyone contemplating retirement abroad should investigate insurance, emergency arrangements and the ability to pay upfront before making the move.
    — Lance B. Fulford, Fortune, 25 Oct. 2026
Definition of contemplate
Verb
  • Most Americans don’t want more data centers and think AI is developing too fast.
    — Diane Brady, Fortune, 22 Oct. 2026
  • Although the mattress developed some minor misshaping after a month of heavy use, Moon still thinks it’s packed with value.
    — Nashia Baker, Architectural Digest, 21 Oct. 2026
Definition of think
Verb
  • Eventually, an edict from the top came that existing attorneys should not anticipate additions to the court teams, according to one source.
    — Fort Worth Star-Telegram, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 24 Oct. 2026
  • That signal can be aggregated, correlated, and exploited by hostile foreign intelligence services to anticipate our movements, targets, and timing.
    — Jon Brodkin, ArsTechnica, 23 Oct. 2026
Definition of anticipate
Verb
  • On top of these heat-seeking missiles, the platforms play to humans’ (particularly teens’) need to be accepted and admired by peers.
    — Jeanna Bryner, Scientific American, 20 Oct. 2026
  • As for the suites, the highlight is their private terraces, peaceful havens from which to admire, paradoxically, the urban whirlwind swirling below.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 20 Oct. 2026
Definition of admire
Verb
  • Allen drained it to extend Charlotte’s lead to 20, and then found Dennis Schröder for a high-five as Miami called a timeout.
    — Charlotte Observer, Charlotte Observer, 25 Oct. 2026
  • Later, however, a faithful replica, also called the Atlantic, was built.
    — The Week UK, TheWeek, 25 Oct. 2026
Definition of call
Verb
  • No one interested in pondering what looks like an intractably difficult conflict need turn their attention to Iran or Israel.
    — Business Columnist, Los Angeles Times, 22 Oct. 2026
  • Newsom, in the podcast, appeared to already be considering them while pondering what to do next.
    — Stephen Hobbs, Sacbee.com, 21 Oct. 2026
Definition of ponder
Verb
  • For that reason, Republicans believe the seat is a likely pickup this fall in what is otherwise a difficult midterm environment.
    — David Sivak, The Washington Examiner, 27 Oct. 2026
  • Assistant Commissioner Laurence Taylor, Head of National Counter Terrorism Policing in the UK, said police believed the country Abdulkarim was assisting was Iran.
    — Reuters, NBC news, 27 Oct. 2026
Definition of believe

Browse Nearby Words

conserving
consider
considerable
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Consider.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/consider. Accessed 27 Oct. 2026.

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