CONSIDER Synonyms: 173 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

consider

verb

kən-ˈsi-dər

Definition of consider

as in to regard

to think of in a particular way I consider him a very good friend

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

as in to contemplate

to give serious and careful thought to carefully considering our options

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in to think

to have as an opinion consider the price too high

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in to anticipate

to give consideration to (as unexpected circumstances or contingencies) I had to consider the commute in deciding whether to take the job

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in to admire

to think very highly or favorably of her well-considered novels have seldom been best sellers

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 France, Britain and Pakistan have committed support, while other allies like Turkey are considering sending help. — Mostafa Salem, CNN Money, 11 Oct. 2026 Judges could sometimes consider changes to the law when deciding whether to grant compassionate release to inmates who had served at least 10 years. — ABC News, 11 Oct. 2026 Meanwhile, voters also will consider a ballot initiative on whether to ban restaurants from serving foie gras. — Washington Post Staff, Washington Post, 11 Oct. 2026 His time in Tampa Bay was considered something of a disappointment. — Louisa Thomas, New Yorker, 11 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

Definition of regard

Verb

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

Definition of contemplate

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

Definition of think

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

Definition of admire

Verb

It was put on by a company called Candle House, which, though little-known as of yet in the theatrical mainstream, has enough of a cult national reputation that nearly all of the 76 shows sold out pretty much just on word of mouth, at $247 a pop.

— Chris Willman, Variety, 11 Oct. 2026
The pop-up, called Sheep, debuted on July 8 in the rooftop restaurant space at the hotel, offering a $95 per person four-course tasting menu focused on open-fire cooking.

— The Know, Denver Post, 11 Oct. 2026

Definition of call

Verb

The school understands that Sanders will still bring eyeballs to their program, but the question of whether this experiment should continue into 2027 is one that deserves to be pondered.

— Trey Wallace OutKick, FOXNews.com, 5 Oct. 2026
As fans and critics embraced her ability to snake in and out of R&B with her pop sensibilities, many pondered whether the label knew what to do with such a talent.

— Carl Lamarre, Billboard, 5 Oct. 2026

Definition of ponder

Verb

Alderman maintains that each of the defendants have continued to lie to protect themselves and believes there is evidence of satanic worship.

— Charlotte Observer, Charlotte Observer, 13 Oct. 2026
His eldest son Théo Saujet worked on the scent Les Caves, inspired by the iconic Saint-Tropez night club Les Caves du Roy, which Thomas Saujet believes will be the most multigenerational of all the fragrances.

— Kathryn Hopkins, Footwear News, 13 Oct. 2026

Definition of believe

Browse Nearby Words

conserving

consider

considerable

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“Consider.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/consider. Accessed 14 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of consider

verb

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Synonyms of consider

verb

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