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 All well and good, but before this could be seriously considered for applications outside the lab, some important things need to be refined. — Christopher McFadden, Interesting Engineering, 4 Oct. 2026 The winner was Southwest Airlines , which, at that time, was considered to be the best run of the airlines. — Jim Cramer, CNBC, 4 Oct. 2026 They are considered dangerous to humans due to their speed, power and size. — Jasmine Mendez follow, Los Angeles Times, 4 Oct. 2026 All eyes will fall on Nostrand now, not only of their own residents but other developments that either already have or are considering throwing their lot in with the new system. — New York Daily News Editorial Board, New York Daily News, 4 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for consider
Recent Examples of Synonyms for consider
Verb
  • Decisions regarding transfers are based on multiple factors, including a baby's medical condition and stability, clinical needs, parental wishes, and bed availability at each location.
    — Juli McDonald, CBS News, 7 Oct. 2026
  • Restaurants are allowed to set their own policies regarding underage people sitting at the bar, Liquor License said.
    — Sacbee.com, Sacbee.com, 7 Oct. 2026
Verb
  • Anderson of Johns Hopkins has been working with a dozen other researchers, through grants from Arnold Ventures, to study prices more and contemplate state-level legislation that mirrors the CBO’s options.
    — Bob Herman, STAT, 5 Oct. 2026
  • Batavia city documents suggest this is not the first time a gate at the city boundary has been contemplated, though the city has at various points expressed its preference for having no gates at all and allowing traffic to flow in both directions.
    — Molly Morrow, Chicago Tribune, 4 Oct. 2026
Verb
  • Boosted by Heated Rivalry, Crave recorded just over 5 million subs in Bell’s most recent results, and is eyeing 6 million by end of 2028, but Cohan is thinking beyond that.
    — Stewart Clarke, Deadline, 8 Oct. 2026
  • Even among Republicans, less than half (45%) think Trump will follow through.
    — Joshua Hong, Fortune, 8 Oct. 2026
Verb
  • That cultural duality made her early casting endeavors more challenging than anticipated.
    — Brian Davids, HollywoodReporter, 3 Oct. 2026
  • The weather is still anticipated to be in the 90s as the festival continues, with a heat advisory for the Sacramento region still in effect through Monday.
    — Camila Pedrosa, Sacbee.com, 3 Oct. 2026
Verb
  • Ellison is said to genuinely admire Weiss and her vision, which is premised on appealing to a silent majority of Americans who are not far left or far right, and being somewhat contrarian or against the grain.
    — Alex Weprin, HollywoodReporter, 6 Oct. 2026
  • The Chicago White Sox first baseman took a couple of seconds to admire the blast, then tossed the bat and turned to his teammates in the dugout, yelling in excitement.
    — LaMond Pope, Chicago Tribune, 3 Oct. 2026
Verb
  • These two brothers, Kamorion and AJ, are looking for an active, loving and committed family to call their own.
    — The Star, Kansas City Star, 3 Oct. 2026
  • Spread across the 1,400 square feet first floor for visitors to see are eight human bodies, their organs and blood vessels, all preserved through a process called plastination.
    — Emma Hall October 3, Sacbee.com, 3 Oct. 2026
Verb
  • It might be pondered, for example, by people who love pets, consider the ethics of eating meat, or worry about the biosphere.
    — Encyclopedia Britannica, Encyclopedia Britannica, 30 Sep. 2026
  • For more than a year, industry stakeholders in Georgia and the rest of the country have pondered how public policy could help jolt the film industry in the United States.
    — Savannah Sicurella, AJC.com, 25 Sep. 2026
Verb
  • Lottie truly believes that armed with her diary and a plan for total re-invention, everything will go great and not be embarrassing at all.
    — Max Goldbart, Deadline, 6 Oct. 2026
  • Much of that sum—$250 million—comes from his contract with the Saudi Pro League’s Al Nassr, which is believed to be subsidized by commercial agreements orchestrated by the club.
    — Justin Birnbaum, Sportico.com, 6 Oct. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Consider.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/consider. Accessed 9 Oct. 2026.

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