reconsider
Americanverb (used with object)
-
to consider again, especially with a view to change of decision or action.
to reconsider a refusal.
- Synonyms:
- reevaluate, reexamine, review, rethink
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Parliamentary Procedure. to take up for consideration a second time, as a motion or a vote, as with the view of reversing or modifying action taken.
verb (used without object)
verb
-
to consider (something) again, with a view to changing one's policy or course of action
-
(in a legislative assembly or similar body) to consider again (a bill or other matter) that has already been voted upon
Other Word Forms
- reconsideration noun
- unreconsidered adjective
Etymology
Origin of reconsider
Explanation
When you reconsider something, you think about it again or in a new way. You might decline your grandfather's invitation to the circus, but then reconsider when you see that Gunther the famous lion tamer is showing up. When you reconsider, you usually end up changing your mind about your initial decision or opinion. Your neighbor might be planning to vote for a candidate you dislike; however, if you do a good enough job arguing in favor of a different candidate, she might reconsider her vote. The Latin root of consider is considerare, "look at closely," or "observe the stars." Reconsider adds the "again" prefix re-.
Vocabulary lists containing reconsider
re-
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re-
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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.
The US Embassy in Riyadh urged American citizens in a post on X to reconsider travelling to Saudi Arabia to take part in the Hajj pilgrimage next month due to security concerns.
From Barron's • Apr. 7, 2026
The controversy ultimately forced newsrooms across the country to reconsider not just whether they should cover such figures, but how.
From Salon • Apr. 6, 2026
The question is whether there is any way of making the company reconsider the job losses.
From BBC • Mar. 31, 2026
I suspect this would cause many families to reconsider the easy money being promised to them by lawyers.
From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 31, 2026
"What are you talking about? The motion to reconsider has been denied?"
From "Just Mercy" by Bryan Stevenson
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
