brooding 1 of 2

Definition of broodingnext

brooding

2 of 2

verb

present participle of brood
as in sitting
to cover and warm eggs as the young inside develop don't disturb the hen while she's brooding

Synonyms & Similar Words

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 brooding
Adjective
The Doctor, previously more-or-less asexual, was also now a brooding romantic lead who — controversially at the time — shared a couple of passionate kisses with Dr Holloway. Richard Edwards, Space.com, 14 May 2026 Sisters Ellie, Lily and Powell Balkcom delivered a powerfully brooding, almost hauntingly beautiful cover of a cover that has come to serve as a cornerstone of their emerging neo-traditional sound. Chris Barilla, PEOPLE, 22 Apr. 2026
Verb
Ozzy was the madman up front, usually singing brooding lyrics written by Geezer. Steve Appleford, SPIN, 17 June 2026 Concern over a bold tower, characterizable as brooding. The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 14 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for brooding
Recent Examples of Synonyms for brooding
Adjective
  • The great speculators became talkative and communicative or dull, sullen, silent, and peevish.
    Owen Lamont, Fortune, 2 July 2026
  • Judith Lightfoot Clarke and Greg Wood carry themselves with peevish authority as the Butley, oozing entitlement.
    Christopher Arnott, Hartford Courant, 28 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • Smoke also harms pregnant women, increasing the risk of premature births and low-weight babies who could have breathing problems the rest of their lives, doctors and studies say.
    Seth Borenstein, Chicago Tribune, 17 July 2026
  • That perception has shifted, at least in part thanks to scientists who discovered that a nearby cove is frequented by dozens of pregnant blacktip sharks, prompting efforts to protect the area.
    ABC News, ABC News, 17 July 2026
Verb
  • Victims of this manipulation scheme, Nathan and Aesha conspire to impose on the dinner’s seating arrangements in such a way that Luke is sitting next to Joy, and Gen is isolated at the end of the table.
    Rafaela Bassili, Vulture, 14 July 2026
  • Tens of thousands of pets ended up at poison control last year over one hazard sitting quietly in gardens, kitchens and living rooms.
    Ryan Brennan, Miami Herald, 14 July 2026
Adjective
  • Perelman said people who have weakened immune systems and those with irritable bowel disease may want to talk to their doctors before incorporating the foods into their diet.
    Devi Shastri, Los Angeles Times, 15 July 2026
  • The symptoms are so delayed that people often blame them on food poisoning, irritable-bowel syndrome, gluten intolerance.
    Burkhard Bilger, New Yorker, 29 June 2026
Adjective
  • About a year after infection, a fully mature, gravid female worm migrates to the skin, usually in the lower extremities.
    Mark Kortepeter, Forbes, 10 Jan. 2025
  • Paloski said the massasauga encountered could be a gravid female about to give birth.
    Paul A. Smith, Journal Sentinel, 14 Aug. 2022
Verb
  • The film has proved both controversial and enduring, spawning an eight-film franchise and earning its chainsaw-wielding antagonist, Leatherface, a spot among film’s most iconic horror villains.
    Jordana Rosenfeld, Encyclopedia Britannica, 10 July 2026
  • These innocuous-seeming actions can kindle dry vegetation, potentially spawning a wildfire.
    CA Weather Bot, Sacbee.com, 9 July 2026
Adjective
  • For the first time, that includes In Living Color vet Kim Wayans, going large as irascible hospital staffer Nurse Ratchett.
    David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 4 June 2026
  • No true irascible aging genius worth his salt is without a ready supply of white socks brightening up the chest of drawers.
    Guy Martin, Forbes.com, 1 June 2026
Adjective
  • Laura’s husband lay on the bed as the rival stood next to it, expectant.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 13 July 2026
  • Portugal has disappointed an expectant nation by losing 1-0 to Lamine Yamal’s Spain on Monday night in the last 16 despite being one of the favorites.
    Tom Sanderson, Forbes.com, 7 July 2026

Cite this Entry

“Brooding.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/brooding. Accessed 19 Jul. 2026.

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