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 Todd has already contemplated what a sibling Grammy showdown might look like. — Nicole Fell, HollywoodReporter, 9 Oct. 2026 Approximately 18% of all Latino high school students have seriously contemplated suicide and 42% of Latino youths reported constantly feeling sad or hopeless, recent congressional studies found. — Carlos De Loera, Los Angeles Times, 9 Oct. 2026 For eight days in April, along the rocky coastline in Gloucester, Massachusetts, the new president of Georgetown University spent time at a Jesuit retreat center, quietly contemplating the task before him. — Sophia Solano, Washington Post, 9 Oct. 2026 There’s a giddiness in the air on the last day of Paris Fashion Week, as editors contemplate returning to normal life after almost a month of press dinners, parties and politics around seat allocations. — Alice Newbold, Vogue, 8 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for contemplate

Recent Examples of Synonyms for contemplate

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

Project Nessie was intended to stop retail price-matching practices from creating unsustainably low prices, the e-commerce giant said.

— Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 19 Oct. 2026
According to people familiar with discussions about the policy, Bennett’s prior objections were a message intended for his domestic political constituency.

— Eric Cortellessa, Time, 18 Oct. 2026

Definition of intend

Verb

Legislators in at least 30 states have considered pricing bills this year, including measures addressing algorithmic and personalized pricing, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures.

— Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 19 Oct. 2026
Changing expectations or considering proposals without comparable information undermines confidence in both the process and its recommendations.

— Letters to the Editor, The Orlando Sentinel, 18 Oct. 2026

Definition of consider

Verb

When the Fondation Cartier exhibition ends, the factory will be returned to Ghana for permanent installation in Kumasi, where Mahama plans to build a new institution.

— Gameli Hamelo, ARTnews.com, 17 Oct. 2026
Cleveland had planned a bullpen game for Friday, with Shawn Armstrong being the opener.

— Joe Reedy, Los Angeles Times, 17 Oct. 2026

Definition of plan

Verb

But that kept him entertained, as did his gaming console, which came in handy last year in Rome, when my husband and I slipped out to Piazza del Popolo for a glass of wine.

— Jeanne Bonner, CNN Money, 16 Oct. 2026
The games feature unconventional rules designed to keep the action moving and entertain fans.

— Adam Thompson, CBS News, 16 Oct. 2026

Definition of entertain

Verb

But at this rate, with a slow division race, all three who played Sunday will hope Washington doesn't shock the football world on Monday night.

— Scott Thompson OutKick, FOXNews.com, 19 Oct. 2026
Stage a rally to give your fans hope of an improbable comeback … and then literally fumble the game away.

— Ken Sugiura, AJC.com, 19 Oct. 2026

Definition of hope

Verb

But on Monday, Broadcom CEO Hock Tan likened many of the investors drawn to the AI boom to gamblers and questioned the economics of AI labs as Wall Street debates whether the AI bubble will burst.

— Andrew Nusca, Fortune, 16 Oct. 2026
The candidates for county judge debated the county’s most pressing issues, including budget management, flood control and jail diversion.

— Katie Bartlett, San Antonio Express-News, 16 Oct. 2026

Definition of debate

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contemplate

contemplated

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“Contemplate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/contemplate. Accessed 20 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of contemplate

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