Definition of considernext
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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

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 At future parole board hearings, the people deciding his fate would be unable to consider that behavior if the bill passes. Michael Ruiz, FOXNews.com, 25 Apr. 2026 Limon and Bristy, both 27, were considering getting married, a relative said. Holly Ramer, Los Angeles Times, 25 Apr. 2026 If that's not your speed, consider The Secret Life of Plants by Peter Tompkins, which Spencer and his wife/co-owner Jenna have been dipping in and out of. Kat Chen, Condé Nast Traveler, 25 Apr. 2026 Hunter immediately becomes part of the defensive rotation at nose guard in the Panthers’ 3-4 system (he’s considered more of a run-stopper than a pass rusher). Scott Fowler, Charlotte Observer, 25 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for consider
Recent Examples of Synonyms for consider
Verb
  • Lawrence, though, is widely regarded as a top-five player at his position, whereas Greenard falls around 15th among edge rushers in most meaningful metrics.
    Alec Lewis, New York Times, 25 Apr. 2026
  • Chicago Cubs manager Craig Counsell made some comments Monday regarding MLB’s ‘two-way player’ rule, which currently only applies to the Dodgers and Shohei Ohtani.
    Michael Huntley, Oc Register, 25 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • Leonard’s deal with Aspiration occurred as Ballmer invested in the company and as the Clippers and Aspiration signed deals that contemplated a $300 million partnership for Aspiration to sponsor the Clippers’ arena and the team’s jersey patch.
    Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 24 Apr. 2026
  • The paintings incorporate scenes Martinez witnessed during nighttime walks through Istanbul, contemplating the boundaries and borders created by the city’s barriers, amid political unrest and oppression.
    Patrick Connolly, The Orlando Sentinel, 24 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • And clearly, the Broncos did not think enough of the tight ends to be aggressive.
    Troy Renck, Denver Post, 25 Apr. 2026
  • Those three weeks were bliss — not thinking about Spurs, not thinking about football, just getting on with life.
    Elias Burke, New York Times, 25 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • As The Athletic reported Tuesday, Feliciano and Jones are expected to acquire up to 40 percent of the Padres — not more than half the franchise, as some in the industry had once anticipated.
    Dennis Lin, New York Times, 27 Apr. 2026
  • Hen-egg-sized hail (2 inches) is anticipated with the incoming storm.
    STAR-TELEGRAM WEATHER BOT, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 26 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • The city’s slow pace invites you to get lost in its picturesque streets, admire historic churches, sample regional food, and even jump into a pristine cenote without leaving town.
    Regina Zumarraga, Travel + Leisure, 27 Apr. 2026
  • The piece is affectionate, admiring, and shamelessly tilted in his favor.
    Dan Zaksheske OutKick, FOXNews.com, 27 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • Plenty of Sellers’ struggles could be pinned on offensive play calling and a lack of polished talent around him.
    Nick Baumgardner, New York Times, 27 Apr. 2026
  • The plan, conveyed through mediators in Pakistan to break a stalemate with Washington, calls for extending the ceasefire so the parties can work toward a permanent end to the fighting, Axios said.
    Jon Herskovitz, Bloomberg, 27 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • Redditors also ponder an IKEA cookie relation.
    Alex Beggs, Bon Appetit Magazine, 25 Apr. 2026
  • First, there are the big-name athletes to find and woo into competing on the streets of the UK’s capital, then the pace-makers, the notable debutants, and the tantalising head-to-heads to create; there’s the hotel bookings, the visas, the flights, the prize money and even bonuses to ponder over.
    Liam Tharme, New York Times, 25 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • There is the lamb-like dreamer, Wesley So, and the trollish Hikaru Nakamura, who believes that his unprecedented success as a streamer has secured him a greater legacy than any prestigious chess title would.
    Louisa Thomas, New Yorker, 26 Apr. 2026
  • The University of Massachusetts poll, fielded among 1,000 Americans, found 74% believe there are more things uniting them than dividing them.
    Karissa Waddick, USA Today, 25 Apr. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Consider.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/consider. Accessed 1 May. 2026.

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