contemplate

verb

con·​tem·​plate ˈkän-təm-ˌplāt How to pronounce contemplate (audio)
-ˌtem-
contemplated; contemplating
Synonyms of contemplate

transitive verb

1
: to view or consider with continued attention : meditate on
contemplate the vastness of the universe
contemplated the meaning of the poem
2
: to view as likely or probable or as an end or intention
contemplate marriage
contemplated a move to Alaska

intransitive verb

: ponder, meditate
wanted time to just sit and contemplate
contemplator
ˈkän-təm-ˌplā-tər How to pronounce contemplate (audio)
-ˌtem
noun

Synonyms of contemplate

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consider, study, contemplate, weigh 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

study implies sustained purposeful concentration and attention to details and minutiae.

study the plan closely

contemplate stresses focusing one's thoughts on something but does not imply coming to a conclusion or decision.

contemplate the consequences of refusing

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 of contemplate in a Sentence

He contemplated the meaning of the poem for a long time. I'd like some time to just sit and contemplate. She stood and quietly contemplated the scene that lay before her.
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
Todd has already contemplated what a sibling Grammy showdown might look like. — Nicole Fell, HollywoodReporter, 9 Oct. 2026 Approximately 18% of all Latino high school students have seriously contemplated suicide and 42% of Latino youths reported constantly feeling sad or hopeless, recent congressional studies found. — Carlos De Loera, Los Angeles Times, 9 Oct. 2026 For eight days in April, along the rocky coastline in Gloucester, Massachusetts, the new president of Georgetown University spent time at a Jesuit retreat center, quietly contemplating the task before him. — Sophia Solano, Washington Post, 9 Oct. 2026 The offer came at a time when Miami-Dade County Public Schools, and many other public school districts in Florida, have closed or consolidated schools and are contemplating even more closures. — Austin Horn, Miami Herald, 8 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for contemplate

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from Latin contemplātus, past participle of contemplāre, contemplārī "to look at fixedly, observe, notice, ponder," from con- con- + -templāre, -templārī, verbal derivative of templum "space of sky or land delimited orally by an augur, sacred precinct, building consecrated to a deity" — more at temple entry 1

First Known Use

circa 1533, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of contemplate was circa 1533

Rhymes for contemplate

See All Rhymes for contemplate

Browse Nearby Words

contemplant
contemplate
contemplatingly
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Cite this Entry

“Contemplate.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/contemplate. Accessed 14 Oct. 2026.

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Kids Definition

contemplate

verb
con·​tem·​plate ˈkänt-əm-ˌplāt How to pronounce contemplate (audio)
ˈkän-ˌtem-
contemplated; contemplating
1
: to view or consider with careful and thoughtful attention
2
: to have in mind : plan on
contemplating a trip
contemplator
-ˌplāt-ər How to pronounce contemplate (audio)
noun
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