CONTEMPLATE Synonyms: 84 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

contemplate

verb

ˈkän-təm-ˌplāt

Definition of contemplate

as in to ponder

to give serious and careful thought to she contemplated the problem for several hours before reaching a decision

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in to intend

to have in mind as a purpose or goal he waited patiently, contemplating revenge all the while

Synonyms & Similar Words

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 Emergency experts working day and night contemplated various entry and exit routes from the nearest accessible access point, about 75 feet away from where Gil was trapped. — Mery Mogollón, Los Angeles Times, 5 July 2026 But Cox and other officials warned anyone contemplating attending the fireworks festivities not to bring drones – or face arrest and a $100,000 fine. — Josh Meyer, USA Today, 29 June 2026 The embarrassing episode also amplified questions about whether, in fact, Alito is contemplating retirement, a possibility some court watchers had already been discussing. — Brian Stelter, CNN Money, 30 June 2026 This contract mandated the production and usage of five content pieces along with a six-month exclusivity period, providing the financial foundation to contemplate a total professional transition. — Alejandra Rojas, Forbes.com, 30 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for contemplate

Recent Examples of Synonyms for contemplate

Verb

This anxiety often leads to rumination, where individuals endlessly ponder potential outcomes without actual preparation, mistakenly equating thinking with problem-solving.

— Dr. Diane Hamilton, Forbes.com, 4 July 2026
Bravo is sipping its cuppa and pondering what to do about those interesting ladies across the pond.

— Jason P. Frank, Vulture, 1 July 2026

Definition of ponder

Verb

The end of Temporary Protected Status — a program intended to protect people in the event of a natural disaster — heightened concerns about deportation to a country that is reeling after twin earthquakes from June 24.

— Andrea Castillo, Los Angeles Times, 6 July 2026
If Washington intends to withdraw forces, assets or capabilities, allies need a roadmap and a timeline.

— Elsa Ohlen, CNBC, 6 July 2026

Definition of intend

Verb

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth planned to announce at a June NATO meeting even steeper cuts that could add up to the one-third reduction Trump raised, according to two sources.

— Kevin Liptak, CNN Money, 7 July 2026
Defense attorneys argued during the trial that the defendants planned a peaceful protest and noise demonstration with fireworks to show support for people detained by Immigration and Customs Enforcement.

— Amy McDaniel, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 7 July 2026

Definition of plan

Verb

Even now at more than 50 years old, there is something undeniable about the movie’s ability to entertain, delight and terrify an audience.

— Mark Olsen, Los Angeles Times, 3 July 2026
The on-site Children’s Garden adds to its appeal, with interactive features that keep younger visitors entertained for hours.

— Lauren Dana Ellman, Travel + Leisure, 3 July 2026

Definition of entertain

Verb

Kean will face Democrat Rebecca Bennett, a former Navy helicopter pilot, in November for New Jersey's 7th Congressional District, a toss-up district Democrats hope to flip.

— Lalee Ibssa, ABC News, 30 June 2026
Meanwhile, the Warriors hope to get a commitment from James on Tuesday but had not received that commitment as of early afternoon, per ESPN.

— Anthony Chiang, Miami Herald, 30 June 2026

Definition of hope

Verb

Georgia’s most influential dishes could be debated vigorously, but there’s no question that food has been an integral part of the South’s culture.

— Olivia Wakim, AJC.com, 4 July 2026
The other was Michael Longfellow’s sketch about a guy dying at the top of a waterslide and debating whether he should be pushed down the slide or carried down the stairs, which was the only thing Bargatze kept talking about all week.

— Jesse David Fox, Vulture, 4 July 2026

Definition of debate

Verb

So Balogun had drawn a red card in the round-of-32 win over Bosnia & Herzegovina, meaning he would be suspended for the following game — Monday’s match.

— Miami Herald, Miami Herald, 7 July 2026
There, the hotel’s overarching theme of kisetsukan, meaning seasonal awareness, is felt most evidently at Iñaki.

— Kathryn Romeyn, Travel + Leisure, 7 July 2026

Definition of mean

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contemns

contemplate

contemplated

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

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Synonyms of contemplate

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