as in melancholy
given to or marked by long, quiet thinking
rainy days often put her in a pensive mood
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 pensive
His subtle direction also basks in critical moments of silence: a smoke break outside the classroom, the frustrated focus during an exam, and the pensive, haunting opening and closing image of Marjan looking out through semi-transparent curtains.
—
Christian Lewis, Variety, 24 Jan. 2025
Scenes of long discussions seem brisk, even at pensive tempi, because of the way that the lines uttered strike off one another—and because of the energetically thoughtful performances that bring the characters to life.
—Richard Brody, New Yorker, 20 June 2025
In such an intimate, pensive atmosphere, characters emerge gradually out of the rugged landscape like windswept trees or weathered stones.
—Tim Grierson, Los Angeles Times, 19 June 2025
Please submit your answers via old-timey telegraphs — and an expansion of his thematic preoccupations, The Phoenician Scheme finds our man Wes in a somewhat pensive mood.
—David Fear, Rolling Stone, 28 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for pensive
Christian Lewis, Variety, 24 Jan. 2025
Scenes of long discussions seem brisk, even at pensive tempi, because of the way that the lines uttered strike off one another—and because of the energetically thoughtful performances that bring the characters to life.
—Richard Brody, New Yorker, 20 June 2025
In such an intimate, pensive atmosphere, characters emerge gradually out of the rugged landscape like windswept trees or weathered stones.
—Tim Grierson, Los Angeles Times, 19 June 2025
Please submit your answers via old-timey telegraphs — and an expansion of his thematic preoccupations, The Phoenician Scheme finds our man Wes in a somewhat pensive mood.
—David Fear, Rolling Stone, 28 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for pensive
Recent Examples of Synonyms for pensive
Adjective
-
Hollow Knight’s award-winning composer, Christopher Larkin, brings melancholy melodies, symphonic strings and heart-thumping, soul strumming boss themes to the adventure.—
Jennifer Maas,
Variety,
22 Aug. 2025
-
Brass rang out during the first chorus as Beck and company picked up the pace following one of Sea Change’s more melancholy moments, striking a cinematic tone during an early instrumental section.—
Jim Ryan,
Forbes.com,
20 Aug. 2025
Adjective
-
But there’s also a lot of thoughtful, poignant material about traditions, grief, childhood trauma, and the ways that family can be both the best and worst part of your life.—
Alan Sepinwall,
Rolling Stone,
22 Aug. 2025
-
Being transparent, candid and frank about challenges while also putting them in context in a thoughtful way will have more impact than trying to massage the answer, which can create uncertainty or disbelief.—
Expert Panel®,
Forbes.com,
22 Aug. 2025
Adjective
-
Visibility at night was another concern, as the dark finish gives the water a more reflective, shadowy look.—
Tereza Shkurtaj,
People.com,
23 Aug. 2025
-
Studies, including our own, have found that people who have studied philosophy are, on average, more reflective and more open-minded than those who haven’t.—
Michael Prinzing,
The Conversation,
21 Aug. 2025
Adjective
-
Quietly elegiac and lushly romantic, this beloved piece captures the play’s contemplative pace and the sense of grief and yearning that runs throughout.—
Emily McClanathan,
Chicago Tribune,
18 Aug. 2025
-
The best ones are juicy, food-friendly and not overly contemplative.—
Devin Parr,
Forbes.com,
5 Aug. 2025
Adjective
-
Despite its somber lyrics, the song’s beat will rightfully lead to voguing in a party setting.—
Meagan Jordan,
Rolling Stone,
22 Aug. 2025
-
Despite his seemingly somber expression, Max is a happy dog.—
Alice Gibbs,
MSNBC Newsweek,
18 Aug. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Pensive.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/pensive. Accessed 1 Sep. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share