CONSIDER Synonyms: 173 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

consider

verb

kən-ˈsi-dər

Definition of consider

as in to regard

to think of in a particular way I consider him a very good friend

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

as in to contemplate

to give serious and careful thought to carefully considering our options

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in to think

to have as an opinion consider the price too high

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

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 Something good could be brewing among this Panthers front-seven considering Carolina only allowed 46 rushing yards against the Lions in Week 4. — Alex Zietlow, Charlotte Observer, 18 Oct. 2026 Jaylen Brown arrived in Philadelphia as the centerpiece of a blockbuster trade, while LeBron James later chose the Sixers after considering several teams in free agency this offseason. — Chantz Martin Outkick, FOXNews.com, 18 Oct. 2026 Both could have been considered lapsed Catholics, disillusioned with the church’s position on homosexuality and its insistence that divorcees get an annulment before remarriage. — Jonathan Bullington, Chicago Tribune, 18 Oct. 2026 As developers use 8-30g to advance four- and five-story building plans in suburbs that otherwise wouldn’t consider them, both political parties are saying voters should look at what’s happening. — Don Stacom, Hartford Courant, 18 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for consider

Recent Examples of Synonyms for consider

Verb

Created by Sorkin, the beloved NBC series ran from 1999 to 2006 and is widely regarded as one of the best TV shows of all time.

— Ellise Shafer, Variety, 14 Oct. 2026
The conflicting signals have complicated the expectations game regarding the Federal Reserve's next move.

— Alexa LoMonaco, CNBC, 14 Oct. 2026

Definition of regard

Verb

The Duo could also prove more accessible than some industry watchers had anticipated.

— MacKenzie Sigalos,Kif Leswing, CNBC, 16 Oct. 2026
Some strategists, anticipating that the committee may raise flags, now try to get ahead of the process by submitting additional documentation, including filmmaker quotes and source materials, to explain why a film belongs in its intended category.

— Clayton Davis, Variety, 15 Oct. 2026

Definition of anticipate

Verb

As of February of this year, Eschenbach is out and Bhusri has, in a maneuver that Disney’s Bob Iger might admire, boomeranged back into the hot seat for one last job, Ocean’s Eleven style.

— Andrew Nusca, Fortune, 13 Oct. 2026
There's so much to admire about scouting - young people away from screens, spending time in nature, doing community service, and gaining life and leadership skills.

— Juli McDonald, CBS News, 13 Oct. 2026

Definition of admire

Verb

The Liberty Bell, with its famous crack, hasn’t been rung in 180 years, but that hasn’t stopped scientists from pondering what the bell might have sounded like when tolling.

— Jennifer Ouellette, ArsTechnica, 15 Oct. 2026
In addition, Mendes and the studio have been pondering a highly unique reporting structure for the films’ box office receipts.

— James Hibberd, HollywoodReporter, 15 Oct. 2026

Definition of ponder

Verb

Fennel believes the Halifax team may eventually pin its estimate to within 10 percent.

— Alec Luhn, Scientific American, 20 Oct. 2026
The Hulu series also stars Sam Nivola as a teenager who awakens from a coma after an accident believing his mother (Britton) is an impostor.

— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 19 Oct. 2026

Definition of believe

Browse Nearby Words

conserving

consider

considerable

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Style

“Consider.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/consider. Accessed 21 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of consider

verb

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'Desire' and 'Consider': A History

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Synonyms of consider

verb

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'Desire' and 'Consider': A History

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