as in melancholy
given to or marked by long, quiet thinking
a ruminative man, who contributed to discussions only after he had completely thought things through
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
Recent Examples of Synonyms for ruminative
Adjective
-
But the overriding feeling of the work is melancholy.—
Hugh Morris,
New York Times,
25 July 2025 -
Anna, an American student at Harvard, falls deeply and unaccountably in love with Christoph, who is on exchange from Germany, in this melancholy début novel.—
The New Yorker,
New Yorker,
21 July 2025
Adjective
-
Firing off hundreds of identical applications and CVs is unlikely to land you that dream role, so every application needs a thoughtful approach.—
Bernard Marr,
Forbes.com,
29 July 2025
-
The overall design is quietly elegant and minimalist, with thoughtful details throughout each floor.—
Kristen Tauer,
Footwear News,
28 July 2025
Adjective
-
Police said Cruz-Sanchez was wearing a reflective safety vest at the time and was throwing trash into the trailer, which featured flashing lights and an arrow indicator.—
Craig Shoup,
Nashville Tennessean,
30 July 2025
-
That is reflective of the 141 head coaching changes just in the past two offseasons.—
Richard Obert,
AZCentral.com,
26 July 2025
Adjective
-
Leonardo da Vinci was a contemplative genius, reportedly staring at The Last Supper for hours before adding a single brushstroke and walking away.—
Joseph Jebelli,
CNBC,
23 July 2025
-
The result is a rich, contemplative expression of Bourbon County—one that rewards patience and reflects a legacy built slowly, barrel-by-barrel.—
Emily Price,
Forbes.com,
22 July 2025
Adjective
-
If the position happens to be software programmer, then your quieter, more focused, pensive side needs to come through.—
Phil Blair,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
21 July 2025
-
The show ran for two seasons. 07 of 18 Sean Penn and Hopper Penn Sean Penn and Robin Wright's son, Hopper — pictured here with sister Dylan — shares his father's pensive stare and has opened up about his no-nonsense parenting style while growing up.—
Lydia Price,
People.com,
11 June 2025
Adjective
-
Deep breathing also facilitates a more meditative state for your brain, allowing your body to feel more alive and present.—
Dominique Fluker,
Essence,
31 July 2025
-
Designed as a meditative oasis, the landscape includes two spaces: a spiral path lined by pollinator plantings (above), and a lawn with playful topography and plantings to foster curiosity about the natural world.—
Miranda Crowell,
Better Homes & Gardens,
27 July 2025
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.
Cite this Entry
“Ruminative.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/ruminative. Accessed 8 Aug. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share