study 1 of 2

noun

ˈstə-dē How to pronounce study (audio)
Definition of studynext
1
as in investigation
a systematic search for the truth or facts about something conducted a study to determine the sleep needs of adolescents

Synonyms & Similar Words

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2
as in daydreaming
the state of being lost in thought found her staring at the fire in a deep study

Synonyms & Similar Words
3
as in consideration
a careful weighing of the reasons for or against something the idea is under study by the city council

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

study

2 of 2

verb

1
as in to research
to use the mind to acquire knowledge you'll have to study hard and learn all about the Revolutionary War in order to pass the history test

Synonyms & Similar Words
2
as in to learn
to commit to memory having carefully studied the document, he could repeat what it said exactly

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in to debate
to give serious and careful thought to scientists who study the origin of the universe

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb study differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of study are consider, contemplate, and weigh. While all these words mean "to think about in order to arrive at a judgment or decision," study implies sustained purposeful concentration and attention to details and minutiae.

study the plan closely

When might consider be a better fit than study?

The meanings of consider and study largely overlap; however, consider may suggest giving thought to in order to reach a suitable conclusion, opinion, or decision.

refused even to consider my proposal

When would contemplate be a good substitute for study?

The synonyms contemplate and study 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 is weigh a more appropriate choice than study?

Although the words weigh and study 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

How does the verb study differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of study are consider, contemplate, and weigh. While all these words mean "to think about in order to arrive at a judgment or decision," study implies sustained purposeful concentration and attention to details and minutiae.

study the plan closely

When might consider be a better fit than study?

The meanings of consider and study largely overlap; however, consider may suggest giving thought to in order to reach a suitable conclusion, opinion, or decision.

refused even to consider my proposal

When would contemplate be a good substitute for study?

The synonyms contemplate and study 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 is weigh a more appropriate choice than study?

Although the words weigh and study 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 study
Noun
Though 11 of the 25 common grocery staples analyzed in a recent CouponFollow study fell in price over the past two years, the food items that are climbing have offset those savings. —Jessica Guynn, USA Today, 29 Apr. 2026 Property values that were walking distance to the Grapevine TEXRail station increased as twice the rate as property in the city as a whole, Andreski said referencing a Trinity Metro economic impact study. —Harrison Mantas, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 29 Apr. 2026
Verb
Skeptics have their say That seems unlikely, according to Victor Matheson, a professor at the College of the Holy Cross who studies the economics of major sporting events. —David Hudnall, Kansas City Star, 30 Apr. 2026 For the time being, Blue Origin is still studying whether to pursue a reusable upper stage for New Glenn, so each launch of the vehicle requires a new upper stage. —Eric Berger, ArsTechnica, 30 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for study
Recent Examples of Synonyms for study
  1. investigation
  2. daydreaming
  3. consideration
  4. research
  5. learn
  6. debate
  7. examination
  8. trance
Noun
  • Five years ago, his car could have warranted an NCAA investigation, and his agent—just the fact of having one—would have immediately ended Chambliss’s college career.
    — Bomani Jones, Vanity Fair, 29 Apr. 2026
  • In a letter sent Wednesday to TotalEnergies and provided to The Associated Press, Huffman and Raskin are letting the company know that Democrats have begun an investigation, are demanding documents and communications and are advising the CEO not to take the money.
    — Jennifer McDermott, Fortune, 29 Apr. 2026
Definition of investigation
Noun
  • Nothing wrong with idealizing and daydreaming, but to a certain extent.
    — Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 13 Apr. 2026
  • In the album’s most beautiful moments, Triplin makes arpeggios sound like prancing through an earthly paradise and sands off juke’s rough edges to produce rhythms that seem to chug along in the margins of a daydreaming brain.
    — Kiana Mickles, Pitchfork, 5 Mar. 2026
Definition of daydreaming
Noun
  • The Cubs acquired Lopez from the Rockies for cash considerations Thursday.
    — Meghan Montemurro, Chicago Tribune, 25 Apr. 2026
  • The proposal remains under consideration by the prime minister, who has expressed reservations regarding its overall magnitude.
    — Jacqueline Charles, Miami Herald, 24 Apr. 2026
Definition of consideration
Verb
  • Those doctors, Novant Health Oncologist Keithe Shensky and Nicholas DeVito, a medical oncologist at Duke researching immunotherapy for colon cancer, also stressed the importance of getting a colon cancer screening.
    — Eva Flowe April 28, Charlotte Observer, 28 Apr. 2026
  • In 2026, conversations around cosmetic dentistry are still active on social media, with more people researching costs, especially for procedures like dental implants, and considering treatment abroad.
    — K.H. Koehler, USA Today, 28 Apr. 2026
Definition of research
Verb
  • Senior second baseman Alexis Richter has learned a lot about playing softball from her three older sisters.
    — Tony Baranek, Chicago Tribune, 29 Apr. 2026
  • The wife and mother of two people who died on the Titanic submersible is sharing what she's learned about grief and life after loss.
    — Sara Moniuszko, USA Today, 28 Apr. 2026
Definition of learn
Verb
  • Idaho lawmakers spent hours debating a surge in rodents menacing Boise-area gardens and kitchens and threatening agriculture and public health.
    — Karin Brulliard, Washington Post, 25 Apr. 2026
  • While city leaders debated how to restructure the system, LAHSA employees said the uncertainty is already taking a toll.
    — Teresa Liu, Daily News, 25 Apr. 2026
Definition of debate
Noun
  • The infant may have sustained puncture wounds, but the official cause of death is pending an examination by the Philadelphia Medical Examiner's Office, police said.
    — Tom Ignudo, CBS News, 27 Apr. 2026
  • Colleges are beginning to respond with interviews, oral examinations, and in-person assessments.
    — Gerald Bradshaw, Chicago Tribune, 27 Apr. 2026
Definition of examination
Noun
  • At the packed opening, a huge screen showed Abramović’s video work, Tito’s Funeral (2025), broadcasting women beating their chests in a near trance-like state, drawing on ritualised forms of communal mourning.
    — George Nelson, ARTnews.com, 20 Apr. 2026
  • Sound, light, and vibration/ Reshape our perceptions/ Pulling us into a trance-like state.
    — Ellise Shafer, Variety, 15 Apr. 2026
Definition of trance

Phrases Containing study

Browse Nearby Words

studs
study
studying
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Cite this Entry

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

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Nglish: Translation of study for Spanish Speakers

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