1
as in meditation
long or deep thinking about spiritual matters
the decision to enter a monastery and to spend one's life in prayer and contemplation
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
2
as in anticipation
the act or state of looking forward to some occurrence
in contemplation of their children's college expenses, they started saving early
Synonyms & Similar Words
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 contemplation
The moments of joy and lightness are interspersed with shots of Williams in deep contemplation.
—
Audrey Gibbs, The Tennessean, 7 Aug. 2025
This is a moment of contemplation and relaxation.
—Lisa Stardust, Refinery29, 6 Aug. 2025
The youth event in Rome – part of the Catholic Church’s jubilee celebrations – saw Leo both embrace the young people’s enthusiasm but ensure moments of quiet contemplation.
—Christopher Lamb, CNN Money, 3 Aug. 2025
The yellow circle in the middle is a space for contemplation and discussion.
—Jazz Tangcay, Variety, 26 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for contemplation
Audrey Gibbs, The Tennessean, 7 Aug. 2025
This is a moment of contemplation and relaxation.
—Lisa Stardust, Refinery29, 6 Aug. 2025
The youth event in Rome – part of the Catholic Church’s jubilee celebrations – saw Leo both embrace the young people’s enthusiasm but ensure moments of quiet contemplation.
—Christopher Lamb, CNN Money, 3 Aug. 2025
The yellow circle in the middle is a space for contemplation and discussion.
—Jazz Tangcay, Variety, 26 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for contemplation
Recent Examples of Synonyms for contemplation
Noun
-
Historically linked to meditation and traditional Japanese dining culture, today’s iterations are all about modern living needs that suit every whim—lounging while binging on the White Lotus reruns, creating a reading nook, or simply losing oneself in texts at the end of the day.—
Audrey Lee,
Architectural Digest,
10 Sep. 2025
-
There is something about the act of paying very close attention to the world through the camera, Shore explained, that can mimic a kind of altered state of consciousness, akin to what occurs during meditation.—
Chris Wiley,
New Yorker,
9 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
It's built on probability and cold, hard data—not vision, values or anticipation.—
Jon Michail,
Forbes.com,
11 Sep. 2025
-
Now, Cherry has to make up lies in anticipation of Laura’s moves.—
Rafaela Bassili,
Vulture,
10 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
In that spirit, the exhibition resists the expectation that women and non-binary artists must define themselves in contrast to a male norm.—
Caterina De Biasio,
Vogue,
11 Sep. 2025
-
Meeting these expectations has put real strain on automotive retail, challenging dealers to know when to rely on intelligent tools—and when to step in with human expertise.—
Malana VanTyler,
USA Today,
11 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Contemplation.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/contemplation. Accessed 12 Sep. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share