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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

Examples 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 Oppenheimer had considered a third chapter, focusing on oligarchs who built their empires on the back of those atrocities. Tim Grierson, Rolling Stone, 7 Dec. 2024 Three-quarters, or 76%, of shoppers consider free returns a key factor in deciding where to spend their money, and 67% say a negative return experience would discourage them from shopping with a retailer again, the NRF found. Jessica Dickler, CNBC, 7 Dec. 2024 The committee considers players, managers, umpires and executives whose greatest contributions to the sport were before 1980. Lamond Pope, Chicago Tribune, 7 Dec. 2024 The categories range in difficulty, with yellow considered the easiest and purple considered the hardest. Daniel R. Depetris, Newsweek, 7 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for consider 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for consider
Verb
  • Kristin talks with peers, peers’ parents, and every staff member, explaining how the dog is trained, how to behave around it, and soothing any worries regarding potential aggressive actions.
    Ethan Stone, USA TODAY, 13 Dec. 2024
  • Individuals should seek the advice of their own tax advisor for specific information regarding tax consequences of investments.
    Andrew Rosen, Forbes, 12 Dec. 2024
Verb
  • Rivalries and mutual suspicion mounted over the years and came to a head when Ghosn openly contemplated a merger, contributing to his downfall.
    Bloomberg, The Mercury News, 18 Dec. 2024
  • In the summer after their first year studying architecture at the University of Hong Kong, Jeff Li and Joseph Wong were contemplating hats and climate change.
    Olatunji Osho-Williams, Smithsonian Magazine, 18 Dec. 2024
Verb
  • Luis Robert Jr is the dream, but who knows what the Sox are thinking.
    C. Trent Rosecrans, The Athletic, 10 Dec. 2024
  • Well, the philosopher Schopenhauer thought music resonated with the will, the unconscious will.
    Sean Illing, Vox, 9 Dec. 2024
Verb
  • The company anticipates that about 30% of its revenue will come from overseas markets in the near future.
    New Atlas, New Atlas, 9 Dec. 2024
  • By the end of this year, Dollar General anticipates these efforts will result in year-over-year reductions in delivery miles of approximately 4 percent or greater in both the company’s traditional and grocery supply chains.
    Glenn Taylor, Sourcing Journal, 9 Dec. 2024
Verb
  • The next day, Kapas noticed the child kept returning to the booth, always admiring the fish hats.
    Jordan Greene, People.com, 13 Dec. 2024
  • Arrive before December 31st to admire the enchanting Christmas decorations that adorn all the streets.
    Joanne Shurvell, Forbes, 13 Dec. 2024
Verb
  • Those in need of shelter from the cold can call 211 to check availability of beds.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 14 Feb. 2023
  • Their children’s schoolmates call the sisters the Puffling Queens.
    Cheryl Katz, Smithsonian Magazine, 14 Feb. 2023
Verb
  • Nationwide confusion over which Ron Johnson got the job Once Trump announced his pick of Johnson as the incoming U.S. ambassador to Mexico, social media lit up with politicians and citizens alike that pondered which Ron Johnson received the role.
    Rey Covarrubias Jr., The Arizona Republic, 13 Dec. 2024
  • After interviewing for the Atlanta Falcons and the job subsequently going to Raheem Morris, Belichick has dabbled in the media business while pondering his next steps on the sidelines.
    Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 12 Dec. 2024
Verb
  • The suspect caught a cab around 7 a.m. on the Upper West Side and was seen on video at an uptown bus station about 45 minutes later, NYPD Chief of Detectives Joseph Kenny said, adding police believe the suspect had left the city.
    John Bacon, USA TODAY, 9 Dec. 2024
  • Police located the car at the intersection of Fulton Street and Washington Avenue, and the car took off once the driver, a woman believed to be the mother of the baby, noticed a police car.
    Charlotte Phillipp, People.com, 9 Dec. 2024

Thesaurus Entries Near consider

Cite this Entry

“Consider.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/consider. Accessed 22 Dec. 2024.

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