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 next

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

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in to think

to have as an opinion consider the price too high

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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

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as in to admire

to think very highly or favorably of her well-considered novels have seldom been best sellers

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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 The series, which is considered one of the most influential Black shows of all time, ultimately ran from Jan. 18, 1975, to July 2, 1985, with 11 seasons of laughs and love. —

Victoria Edel, People.com, 18 Jan. 2025 The future of TikTok remains murky as the U.S. Supreme Court considers whether to uphold a law that could ban the social media app due to national security concerns starting Sunday. —

Greta Cross, USA TODAY, 18 Jan. 2025 Scammers often make declarations of love early in the communication, and Wang says this should be considered a red flag. —

Emilie Le Beau Lucchesi, Discover Magazine, 18 Jan. 2025 But consider this: Countries have had criminal laws against murder and robbery for thousands of years, yet these crimes are still committed. —

Hurst Hannum, The Conversation, 6 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for consider

Recent Examples of Synonyms for consider

Verb

Basic policy shibboleths, such as the efficacy of vaccines, are being questioned by all sorts of constituencies; once-predictable public-opinion trend lines—regarding feminism, LGBTQ rights, democracy itself—are going wobbly.

— Spencer Kornhaber, The Atlantic, 23 Jan. 2025
The Department of Public Safety, which has taken over primary communications regarding the fire, has not publicly identified the four victims.

— PJ Green, Kansas City Star, 23 Jan. 2025