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

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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 The Australian actor and Harriet Dyer – his real-life wife and on-screen partner – had over the summer said goodbye to romantic sitcom Colin From Accounts and were contemplating their next steps while raising a young family in Los Angeles. — Jesse Whittock, Deadline, 23 Oct. 2026 The other part that’s the same is the working in a home studio, just having a couch to use as the place to sit and contemplate, and there was not any kind of pressure to work in any way other than what felt right. — Brian Hiatt, Rolling Stone, 23 Oct. 2026 Members of the public, at recent meetings, though, have raised concerns about traffic and the financial agreements the city is contemplating. — Sacbee.com, 22 Oct. 2026 The letter of intent contemplates a PIPE (private investment in public equity) financing of $75 million, subject to upsize. — David Moin, Footwear News, 22 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for contemplate

Recent Examples of Synonyms for contemplate

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

These changes were intended to support the long-distance challenge, which required multiple crossings rather than a single uninterrupted run in one direction.

— Jijo Malayil, Interesting Engineering, 26 Oct. 2026
The throw was intended for Jaxon Smith-Njigba but Williams made the interception.

— Blair Kerkhoff, Kansas City Star, 26 Oct. 2026

Definition of intend

Verb

Marketed under the brand name Keytruda, pembrolizumab is considered to be something of a wonder drug in its own right, with just 30% of patients relapsing in the first two years of treatment.

— Mike McRae October 25, New Atlas, 26 Oct. 2026
Operators must consider what happens when that material eventually returns to Earth.

— Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 25 Oct. 2026

Definition of consider

Verb

Keep scrolling to shop our ultimate Thanksgiving hosting guide, featuring cooking essentials, entertaining must haves, table decor and more.

— ABC News, ABC News, 22 Oct. 2026
Later, she’s entertained by a mouse running along the baseboard of one of London’s more elegant restaurants.

— Sarah Crompton, Vogue, 21 Oct. 2026

Definition of entertain

Verb

James scored 18 points, grabbed two rebounds and was a minus-22 going up against Paul Reed, and the 76ers were left to hope his presence at center was nothing more than a cameo.

— Dan Gelston, Los Angeles Times, 26 Oct. 2026
Some Republican lawmakers hope the ballot question will encourage more people to vote.

— ABC News, ABC News, 25 Oct. 2026

Definition of hope

Verb

This month, the council held a nine-hour hearing to debate tax proposals, including the BAT, as the council attempts to mitigate budget shortfalls for fiscal year 2028.

— Irit Skulnik, CNBC, 23 Oct. 2026
When Risch declined to debate, Achilles showed up to directly confront the incumbent at a limited public appearance in Boise, where Risch was set to speak at a 9/11 memorial event.

— Sarah Cutler, Idaho Statesman, 23 Oct. 2026

Definition of debate

Verb

But his planning doesn’t mean that the tax would survive the courts, and in any case, not every billionaire will necessarily make similar arrangements.

— Ramesh Ponnuru, Washington Post, 27 Oct. 2026
Winning means making much tougher decisions about what to put on the floor.

— Nicholas Wu, semafor.com, 27 Oct. 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 28 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of contemplate

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