Definition of meditatenext

Synonym Chooser

How is the word meditate different from other verbs like it?

Some common synonyms of meditate are muse, ponder, and ruminate. While all these words mean "to consider or examine attentively or deliberately," meditate implies a definite focusing of one's thoughts on something so as to understand it deeply.

meditated on the meaning of life

When can muse be used instead of meditate?

The meanings of muse and meditate largely overlap; however, muse suggests a more or less focused daydreaming as in remembrance.

mused upon childhood joys

Where would ponder be a reasonable alternative to meditate?

The words ponder and meditate can be used in similar contexts, but ponder implies a careful weighing of a problem or, often, prolonged inconclusive thinking about a matter.

pondered the course of action

When is ruminate a more appropriate choice than meditate?

In some situations, the words ruminate and meditate are roughly equivalent. However, ruminate implies going over the same matter in one's thoughts again and again but suggests little of either purposive thinking or rapt absorption.

ruminated on past disappointments

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 meditate You’re supposed to meditate and pray. Michael Hollett, SPIN, 14 June 2026 Undeterred, Maurice instructed the group to lay down their instruments and meditate silently — onstage — until the rowdy crowd calmed down. Jordan Runtagh, PEOPLE, 11 June 2026 Located on the edge of the city in the Bogd Khan Uul UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, Ayan Zalaat opened its doors in January 2026 and sprawls out over 34 acres of the Zalaat Valley and Bogd Khan mountain, where monks once came to meditate and worship. Mae Hamilton, Travel + Leisure, 10 June 2026 The study included 103 adults who were asked to meditate while their brain activity was monitored using an electroencephalogram or EEG test, a tool that measures electrical patterns in the brain through sensors placed on the scalp. Jacqueline Howard, CNN Money, 7 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for meditate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for meditate
Verb
  • The effect of Greenspan’s artistry was to alter permanently the way the capital markets function, and to extend the Fed’s influence more deeply into the economy than Congress ever contemplated – and certainly far beyond any Constitutional remit.
    George Calhoun, Forbes.com, 26 June 2026
  • At one point officials were contemplating a proposal for a hotel along with newer retail, and only three years ago paid a $2 million settlement to a previous developer who accused the town of reneging on a deal.
    Don Stacom, Hartford Courant, 25 June 2026
Verb
  • Key to watch for will be how a new government intends to tackle Britain's debt burden and revive sluggish growth without driving borrowing costs even higher.
    Gail Krishnan, CNBC, 23 June 2026
  • While these drugs can be life-changing for many people, they are not always intended to be permanent.
    Daryl Austin, USA Today, 23 June 2026
Verb
  • Plunkett, with the Norman Rockwell Museum, pondered whether Americans viewing the painting today would find a familiar feeling.
    Karissa Waddick, USA Today, 25 June 2026
  • Season 2 continues this thread, and Hely pondered the sense of exhaustion about living in this corporate world.
    Kambole Campbell, Variety, 25 June 2026
Verb
  • Under Cooper’s order, the center’s managers plan to meet with the board in mid-July to vote on how to move forward on construction, according to a Justice Department filing June 19.
    Bart Jansen, USA Today, 23 June 2026
  • Addie Richardson, who works at a mobility store located along Southwest 10th Street, said her business plans to leave the corridor when its lease expires later this year.
    Joan Murray, CBS News, 23 June 2026
Verb
  • The material contained on this site is intended to inform, entertain and educate the reader and in no way represents an inducement to gamble legally or illegally or any sort of professional advice.
    Mary Walrath-Holdridge, USA Today, 23 June 2026
  • These series are designed to entertain and intrigue viewers, while letting advertisers spur purchases and sales,.
    Brian Steinberg, Variety, 23 June 2026
Verb
  • Knowing Brady and Sullivan have gone after so many years of us trying to get them out is great, but Daniel Kretinsky needs to put actions into words to keep our trust.
    Roshane Thomas, New York Times, 29 June 2026
  • Critics say the bill doesn’t go far enough.
    Tia Mitchell, AJC.com, 29 June 2026
Verb
  • Aid groups consider the first 48 to 72 hours after a disaster to be the most critical window for finding survivors, though access to food and water can extend that period.
    Michael Sinkewicz, FOXNews.com, 28 June 2026
  • Should Portugal have rested Ronaldo against Colombia, considering Portugal entered Saturday’s match already assured of advancing to the knockout stage?
    Anthony Chiang June 27, Miami Herald, 28 June 2026
Verb
  • As the donations continue to grow, Joe Carr and his family hope this year's event will push the fundraiser past the $100,000 mark.
    Nick Lunemann, CBS News, 24 June 2026
  • Many Labour members hope Burnham’s people skills and charisma can connect with the public more than the stolid, managerial Starmer could ever do.
    ABC News, ABC News, 23 June 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Meditate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/meditate. Accessed 30 Jun. 2026.

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