Synonyms

contemplating

American

[kon-tuhm-pley-ting, -tem-] / ˈkɒn təmˌpleɪ tɪŋ, -tɛm- /

adjective

observing, studying, or thinking deeply about something.

A stronger spirit and sense of purpose help shift the contemplating mind into a more action-orientated self.

noun

the act of observing, studying, or thinking deeply about something.

After some more contemplating over the last few days, I now know what I'm going to do.

Other Word Forms

contemplatingly

adverb

Etymology

Origin of contemplating

First recorded in 1580–90; contemplat(e) ( def. ) + -ing ² ( def. ) for the adjective; contemplat(e) ( def. ) + -ing ¹ ( def. ) for the noun

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.

Contemplating events, the beasts summarize what they’ve learned with such bromides as “To work hard for our friends . . . that is freedom” and “You know what’s always right? Helping each other.”

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 30, 2026

Contemplating what all of this means returned me to West’s thoughts from 11 years ago because they apply here.

From Salon • Aug. 10, 2024

Contemplating escaping Rome, she talks of buying an island; Marcello chides her: “Your problem is you have too much money.”

From New York Times • Jun. 18, 2024

Contemplating retirement was difficult for Tuitele for several reasons.

From Seattle Times • Mar. 8, 2024

Contemplating the potential outcomes, she grinned at him again.

From "Throne of Glass" by Sarah J. Maas

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023