as in to ponder
to give serious and careful thought to
the minister hoped that the congregation would spend the remainder of the week ruminating the message of his sermon
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Recent Examples of ruminate
Though his characters tend to sidestep spirituality, Wilson doesn't and is often ruminating on life, death and whatever follows.
—
Mandy Taheri, MSNBC Newsweek, 11 Sep. 2025
Justice notes these preoccupations often impact our wellness in subtle and overlooked ways that can add up to significant harm like sleep disturbance, irritability, uncontrolled worry, ruminating about the ‘what ifs,’ exhaustion, burnout, and over-functioning.
—Essence, 27 Aug. 2025
Virgos are known for their analytical skills, but can be prone to taking the analysis a little too far and ruminating over matters.
—Lisa Stardust, Refinery29, 19 Aug. 2025
They’re left to ruminate in isolation instead.
—Mark Travers, Forbes.com, 18 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for ruminate
Mandy Taheri, MSNBC Newsweek, 11 Sep. 2025
Justice notes these preoccupations often impact our wellness in subtle and overlooked ways that can add up to significant harm like sleep disturbance, irritability, uncontrolled worry, ruminating about the ‘what ifs,’ exhaustion, burnout, and over-functioning.
—Essence, 27 Aug. 2025
Virgos are known for their analytical skills, but can be prone to taking the analysis a little too far and ruminating over matters.
—Lisa Stardust, Refinery29, 19 Aug. 2025
They’re left to ruminate in isolation instead.
—Mark Travers, Forbes.com, 18 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for ruminate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for ruminate
Verb
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This includes watching the sketches Stiller & Meara performed on countless talk shows, critiquing their respective styles and pondering how much or little from their seemingly candid appearances and interviews was meant to be taken as truth and not performance.—
Daniel Fienberg,
HollywoodReporter,
6 Oct. 2025
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Many pondered what McDavid, many who believe is the NHL’s best player, would do.—
Greg Liodice,
MSNBC Newsweek,
6 Oct. 2025
Verb
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Judge Stanley Blumenfeld agreed to extend the trial date, originally contemplated for next August, to October 2026.—
Gene Maddaus,
Variety,
9 Oct. 2025
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Before Microsoft changed its plans, Martin was contemplating a motion to delay the Village Board rezoning vote at least six months so village officials could gather more information.—
Ricardo Torres,
jsonline.com,
9 Oct. 2025
Verb
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For someone who has asked countless questions of countless people, Hersh proved less than eager to entertain personal inquiries.—
Matthew Carey,
Deadline,
8 Oct. 2025
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Shackleton may have made a mistake in the outdoors, and the amazing story of his getting back on track entertained millions of people for a century afterward.—
Frederick Dreier,
Outside,
7 Oct. 2025
Verb
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Geologists debate boundaries of the ring of fire While geologists widely agree upon most regions within the Pacific Ring of Fire, several areas remain subject to debate.—
Shane Croucher,
MSNBC Newsweek,
10 Oct. 2025
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With the nation's 250th anniversary approaching, many teachers, parents and politicians are debating the best ways for students to learn about American history.—
Cory Turner,
NPR,
10 Oct. 2025
Verb
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Bendicksen, the center’s director of wildlife rehabilitation, decided to attempt something few would consider, a wing transplant.—
Aamir Khollam,
Interesting Engineering,
11 Oct. 2025
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Even though there is risk that would come with the move, the Saints should consider it if the option presents itself.—
Evan Massey,
MSNBC Newsweek,
11 Oct. 2025
Verb
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But that's nothing new, say linguists and others who study verbal communication.—
Phaedra Trethan,
USA Today,
5 Oct. 2025
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Looking ahead, China plans to launch its Chang’e-7 lunar probe around 2026, carrying instruments such as a seismograph to study the moon’s internal structure.—
Christopher McFadden,
Interesting Engineering,
5 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Ruminate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/ruminate. Accessed 12 Oct. 2025.
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