as in thoughtful
given to or marked by long, quiet thinking
a contemplative person who likes to go on solitary walks the contemplative life of the monks at the abbey
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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 contemplative
To retrain focus, Bovee also suggested distraction-free spaces, analog activities like journaling or reading print books, and contemplative practices like meditation.
—
Melissa Fleur Afshar, MSNBC Newsweek, 11 Sep. 2025
People are kind of contemplative, that really speaks to the power of these objects to draw people in.
—Katie Hafner, Scientific American, 10 Sep. 2025
This is where a contemplative approach to leadership is most valuable.
—Big Think, 1 Sep. 2025
Their contemplative poses are echoed by the house’s twin triangular gables.
—Joshua Rothman, New Yorker, 25 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for contemplative
Melissa Fleur Afshar, MSNBC Newsweek, 11 Sep. 2025
People are kind of contemplative, that really speaks to the power of these objects to draw people in.
—Katie Hafner, Scientific American, 10 Sep. 2025
This is where a contemplative approach to leadership is most valuable.
—Big Think, 1 Sep. 2025
Their contemplative poses are echoed by the house’s twin triangular gables.
—Joshua Rothman, New Yorker, 25 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for contemplative
Recent Examples of Synonyms for contemplative
Adjective
-
This could be a raise, a thoughtful gift or simply learning how to value your own time more.—
Valerie Mesa,
PEOPLE,
1 Oct. 2025
-
By 1996, McLachlan had released several albums, with 1993’s thoughtful, moody Fumbling Towards Ecstasy marking a breakthrough.—
Sophie Gilbert,
The Atlantic,
30 Sep. 2025
Adjective
-
For Esquinas, the goal is to balance melancholy with hope.—
Callum McLennan,
Variety,
24 Sep. 2025
-
Although the play has its melancholy moments, Shakina doesn’t dwell on them.—
Pam Kragen,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
21 Sep. 2025
Adjective
-
Wettig noted in an August 2009 interview with NPR that though Thirtysomething's characters were often accused of being narcissistic by critics, their self-involvement was also reflective of the time.—
Maureen Lee Lenker,
Entertainment Weekly,
29 Sep. 2025
-
Cost was reported as the most prominent barrier to care in Texas, which was reflective of a national trend showing families with private insurance face greater barriers compared with families using public programs like Medicaid, according to the survey.—
Lina Ruiz,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
29 Sep. 2025
Adjective
-
And in November, a new exhibit called Meditation Ocean will bring in videos to give viewers the impression of being underwater and encourage meditative practices.—
Ashley Mackin Solomon,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
22 Sep. 2025
-
Cloudy chords, meditative tintinnabulation, the whoosh of wind and rain, blocks of iridescent brass — all these discrete sonorities trundled by, like a train of boxcars with panoramas painted on their sides.—
Justin Davidson,
Vulture,
22 Sep. 2025
Adjective
-
While she's drawn toward mindful and pensive reads, the former Today host appreciates some powerful fiction as well.—
Rachel Raposas,
PEOPLE,
23 Sep. 2025
-
After the orchestra launches in with a full flaring sound, the cello takes the lead on a sweet, almost pensive solo.—
Sheila Regan,
Twin Cities,
13 Sep. 2025
Adjective
-
As Mark describes his strategies, his reflections quickly outleap the specifics of the sport and take on a philosophical dimension.—
Richard Brody,
New Yorker,
30 Sep. 2025
-
As Alexandra Plakias has noted, philosophical about-faces should not scandalize us; they should be honored.—
Shai Tubali,
Big Think,
30 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Contemplative.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/contemplative. Accessed 2 Oct. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share