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Definitions

contemplating

[kon-tuhm-pley-ting, -tem-] / ˈkɒn təmˌpleɪ tɪŋ, -tɛm- /
ADJECTIVE
cogitative
Synonyms
WEAK
contemplative deliberative excogitative meditating meditative probing reasoning reflective ruminative thinking
ADJECTIVE
deliberative
Synonyms
STRONGEST
calculated contemplative
WEAK
cogitative excogitative meditating meditative planned probing purposeful reasoning reflective thinking
ADJECTIVE
minded
Synonyms
STRONGEST
determined inclined
STRONG
convinced decided disposed intending liking planning purposing resolved willing
WEAK
aiming at aspiring to desirous leaning toward settled on thinking of
Antonyms
STRONG
unwilling
WEAK
disinclined undetermined
ADJECTIVE
observant
Synonyms
STRONGEST
attentive discerning discriminating intelligent mindful perceptive vigilant
WEAK
advertent alive bright clear-sighted comprehending considering correct deducing detecting discovering eager eagle-eyed heedful intentive interested keen not missing a trick obedient observative on one's toes on the ball penetrating questioning quick regardful searching sensitive sharp sharp-eyed surveying understanding wide-awake
Antonyms
STRONGEST
careless heedless inattentive neglectful negligent unaware undiscriminating
WEAK
indifferent thoughtless unmindful unobservant unwatchful

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Of course, people contemplating disclaimers have to be willing to give up money for themselves.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 3, 2026

Quite simply, it is not even worth contemplating from England's viewpoint.

From BBC • Mar. 31, 2026

This is not a documentary feature stuffed with detailed historical context, talking heads contemplating Jacobs’ impact, and stretches of runtime devoted to quietly pondering what legacy looks like in an ephemeral business.

From Salon • Mar. 27, 2026

I am contemplating retirement within the next four years, and my wife, who is 57, may retire after I do.

From MarketWatch • Mar. 17, 2026

Eventually I set it aside on the edge of my bed and lie there contemplating it.

From "How It Went Down" by Kekla Magoon

From Roget's 21st Century Thesaurus, Third Edition Copyright © 2013 by the Philip Lief Group.