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 next

as in to ponder

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

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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

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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

Examples of contemplate in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Following the Rio Games, their mental health took a turn for the worse, leaving them contemplating suicide. —

Caroline Tien, SELF, 8 Aug. 2024 The near-future horror drama contemplates what would happen if the world fell into chaos, and you and your family were stuck working at one of the world’s most famous resorts – with some of the world’s richest and most powerful as guests. —

Denise Petski, Deadline, 8 Aug. 2024 After all, Phantoms are to be chauffeured, with passengers blessed with the luxury of time to contemplate their surroundings. —

Nargess Banks, Forbes, 16 Aug. 2024 On Wednesday, a Bloomberg News report , citing people familiar with the discussions, revealed that the Department of Justice is contemplating breaking up the company. —

Sean Conlon, CNBC, 16 Aug. 2024 See all Example Sentences for contemplate

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'contemplate.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

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“Contemplate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/contemplate. Accessed 16 Sep. 2024.

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Last Updated: 8 Sep 2024 - Updated example sentences

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Synonyms of contemplate

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Examples of contemplate in a Sentence

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