Every consideration synonym belongs to one of three jobs: careful thought, a factor you weigh, or kindness toward other people. Thought, deliberation, factor, respect and regard are the workhorses, one or two for each job.
The word also fills set phrases like "take into consideration" and the polite "thank you for your consideration", which appear in nearly every cover letter and committee report. Scroll on for those, along with a tone ladder, swaps in context and the antonyms.
Swatch at a glance
Best swaps
thought, deliberation, factor, respect, regardPart of speech
NounMost formal
deliberation, contemplation, remunerationMost casual
thought, a look, a thinkAntonyms
thoughtlessness, disregard, neglectWatch out
Considerate means kind. Considerable means large. Neither replaces consideration directly.Word forms covered
considerations, considerate, considering
Each meaning with its own swaps
| Meaning | Try | In a sentence |
|---|---|---|
| Careful thought | thought, deliberation, review, reflection | After much deliberation, we chose the blue design. |
| Something to weigh | factor, concern, aspect, issue | Cost is the main factor. |
| Kindness to others | respect, thoughtfulness, courtesy, tact | Please show some courtesy to the neighbors. |
| Payment in a contract | payment, fee, compensation | The fee was paid on signing. |
The consideration synonym ladder, from thought to contemplation
The five chips climb in formality. Thought is the plain choice for almost any sentence. Attention suggests the matter is now in front of someone. Review is what offices and committees do. Deliberation implies slow, careful discussion, often by a group such as a jury. Contemplation is quiet and private, closer to reflection or even meditation.
Pick the rung that matches who is thinking and how long it takes. A jury deliberates; a poet contemplates; a manager reviews.
Cover letters and polite closings
"Thank you for your consideration" is correct but very common. Fresher options keep the courtesy:
- Thanks for your time and for looking over my application.
- I appreciate you taking a look at my work.
- Thank you for reading, and I hope to speak soon.
An applicant ends an email with "Thank you for your kind consideration of my candidacy." Trimming it to "I appreciate you looking at my application" sounds just as polite and gets to the point. More closing lines for job hunters sit under resume and work words.
Replacing take into consideration
This long phrase has neat shorter versions: consider, factor in, weigh, bear in mind, allow for and take into account.
- Please take traffic into consideration becomes please allow for traffic.
- We took her age into consideration becomes we bore her age in mind.
- The budget takes inflation into consideration becomes the budget factors in inflation.
The verb itself has a full page at consider synonyms.
Considerations, considerate and considering
The plural considerations nearly always means factors: safety considerations become safety concerns or safety factors. The adjective considerate matches the kindness sense and swaps with thoughtful, caring or polite; see thoughtful. Considering can also act like a preposition, close to given or in light of: considering the storm, a big crowd showed up.
Do not confuse these with considerable, which means large: a considerable sum is a big amount of money, not a carefully thought-out one.
Opposites of consideration
Thoughtlessness and inconsiderateness mean a lack of care for others. Disregard is more formal and often appears in legal or safety language: a disregard for the rules. Neglect means failing to give needed attention. Carelessness fits a hasty decision made without thinking it through.
- His disregard for the deadline cost the team.
- The plan failed through simple carelessness.
Frequently asked questions
Which word can replace consideration in a formal report?
Deliberation, review and examination all sound formal. Use deliberation when a group discussed the matter and review when an office or panel checked it.
Is there a fresh way to say thank you for your consideration?
Options include I appreciate your time, or many thanks for looking over my materials. Both are polite and sound less like a template.
Is factor a synonym for consideration?
Yes, when consideration means something you weigh in a decision. Cost, timing and risk are all factors or considerations.
What is consideration in a contract?
It is what each side gives in exchange, usually payment. Fee, payment and compensation are plain alternatives outside legal drafting.
How would you describe a lack of consideration?
Thoughtlessness, disregard and neglect sit opposite it. Thoughtlessness suits small everyday slights, while disregard sounds more serious.
Does regard mean the same as consideration?
In the kindness sense it does: out of regard for her feelings. Regard can also mean respect or esteem, so reread the line to be sure it stays clear.