study 1 of 2

noun

ˈstə-dē How to pronounce study (audio)
Definition of studynext
1
as in investigation
a systematic search for the truth or facts about something conducted a study to determine the sleep needs of adolescents

Synonyms & Similar Words

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2
as in daydreaming
the state of being lost in thought found her staring at the fire in a deep study

Synonyms & Similar Words
3
as in consideration
a careful weighing of the reasons for or against something the idea is under study by the city council

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

study

2 of 2

verb

1
as in to research
to use the mind to acquire knowledge you'll have to study hard and learn all about the Revolutionary War in order to pass the history test

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2
as in to learn
to commit to memory having carefully studied the document, he could repeat what it said exactly

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in to debate
to give serious and careful thought to scientists who study the origin of the universe

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb study differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of study are consider, contemplate, and weigh. While all these words mean "to think about in order to arrive at a judgment or decision," study implies sustained purposeful concentration and attention to details and minutiae.

study the plan closely

When might consider be a better fit than study?

The meanings of consider and study largely overlap; however, consider may suggest giving thought to in order to reach a suitable conclusion, opinion, or decision.

refused even to consider my proposal

When would contemplate be a good substitute for study?

The synonyms contemplate and study 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 is weigh a more appropriate choice than study?

Although the words weigh and study 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 study
Noun
According to the city’s traffic study, which was presented during an April meeting attended by dozens of residents, the number of cars driving on portions of Hemphill is expected to increase from roughly 13,000 to over 23,000 by 2045. — Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 28 Aug. 2026 Lilly said a study showed people on its experimental, next-generation weight-loss shot retatrutide achieved weight loss of 19% to 28%. — Ken Alltucker, USA Today, 28 Aug. 2026
Verb
Wilde was born into a prominent Dublin family and went on to study at Trinity College and Oxford. — William Arruda, Forbes.com, 29 Aug. 2026 The method is also being studied for scramjets that operate under intense aerodynamic and combustion heating. — Atharva Gosavi, Interesting Engineering, 29 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for study
Recent Examples of Synonyms for study
  1. investigation
  2. daydreaming
  3. consideration
  4. research
  5. learn
  6. debate
  7. examination
  8. trance
Noun
  • The incident was reported Tuesday, off the Omani coast, the UKMTO said, which added that the resulting fire had been extinguished, all crew members were reported safe, and an investigation was underway.
    — Anniek Bao, CNBC, 27 Aug. 2026
  • Jeff Pope is penning a drama about the investigation into Everard’s 2021 murder for the BBC.
    — K.J. Yossman, Variety, 27 Aug. 2026
Definition of investigation
Noun
  • When your seatmate is leading a Q1 strategy session, staring out the window and daydreaming—one of the most distinct opportunities of flying—may seem like time wasted.
    — Nancy Walecki, The Atlantic, 13 Aug. 2026
  • Whereas, symptoms for women tend to be more internalized and subtle, such as with more quiet distractibility, daydreaming, disorganization, excessive talking and emotional dysregulation.
    — Bruce Y. Lee, Forbes.com, 4 July 2026
Definition of daydreaming
Noun
  • If someone consistently behaves with kindness, generosity, and consideration, even when these behaviors require effort or self-restraint, their motives may be less important than their actions.
    — Tomas Chamorro-Premuzic, Forbes.com, 29 Aug. 2026
  • For now, the main considerations are cutting benefits for wealthier Americans or eliminating the cap on Social Security's payroll tax.
    — Ashley Lopez, NPR, 28 Aug. 2026
Definition of consideration
Verb
  • The fund also powers the Yavarhoussen Scholarship, which collaborates with the Institut National d’Histoire de l’Art in Paris to research and publish books on Malagasy art history.
    — Gameli Hamelo, ARTnews.com, 28 Aug. 2026
  • Students who had completed Ramapo’s investigative genetic genealogy certificate program volunteered to research the case and identified Krusely as a candidate in December 2025, according to the college.
    — Darrell Smith, Sacbee.com, 27 Aug. 2026
Definition of research
Verb
  • The sixth-year forward is an athletic rebounder and has learned to fill the gaps created by defenses focusing on Wilson in the frontcourt.
    — Sabreena Merchant, New York Times, 28 Aug. 2026
  • From the moment Billie learns about Sophie-Rose, the teenager who inherited her legendary fake ID after it was already passed down to multiple other Gen-Z blondes, she’s obsessed.
    — Ben Rosenstock, Vulture, 28 Aug. 2026
Definition of learn
Verb
  • In their discussions, economists and policymakers debated the regulatory challenges in a world where tokenization is revolutionizing how financial assets are held and transferred.
    — Maria Eloisa Capurro, Fortune, 29 Aug. 2026
  • Researchers have debated for years whether these dendrites begin at the electrolyte’s surface or deeper inside the material.
    — Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 28 Aug. 2026
Definition of debate
Noun
  • Swelling and spinal shock can cloud the earliest neurological picture, and physicians repeat examinations over time for good reason, as many people once given a grave prognosis go on to recover.
    — Daryl Austin, USA Today, 26 Aug. 2026
  • Brown is scheduled to travel with the major-league team back to Chicago after Wednesday’s game against the Arizona Diamondbacks for further examination.
    — Patrick Mooney, New York Times, 26 Aug. 2026
Definition of examination
Noun
  • Paulina Prosnitz Back to the issue Welcome Wings Traveling to Greece last summer was a dreamlike trance of crystal-clear waters, skinny European cigarettes, and endless tzatziki.
    — Air Mail, Air Mail, 15 Aug. 2026
  • Though the faith and worship systems of the time are largely unknown, researchers believe this rock art may depict a group in a trance state.
    — Encyclopedia Britannica, Encyclopedia Britannica, 13 Aug. 2026
Definition of trance

Phrases Containing study

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studs
study
studying
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Cite this Entry

“Study.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/study. Accessed 2 Sep. 2026.

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