brooding 1 of 2

adjective

Definition of broodingnext
1
as in moping

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2
as in pregnant

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Dissimilar Words

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
  1. peevish
  2. pregnant
  3. sitting
  4. irritable
  5. gravid
  6. spawning
  7. irascible
  8. expectant
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
Definition of peevish
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
Definition of pregnant
Verb
  • Dallas is in a difficult salary-cap jam — sitting a little more than $1 million over the limit after this signing — and getting Robertson signed to a long-term commitment would have meant a higher cap hit and cuts elsewhere.
    — Julian McKenzie, New York Times, 22 July 2026
  • Although several of the ArcLight locations were taken over by other operators, the Dome and ArcLight multiplex in Hollywood, which are owned outright by Pacific’s parent company Decurion, have been sitting empty ever since.
    — Pat Saperstein, Variety, 21 July 2026
Definition of sitting
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
Definition of irritable
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
Definition of gravid
Verb
  • These innocuous-seeming actions can kindle dry vegetation, potentially spawning a wildfire.
    — CA Weather Bot, Sacbee.com, 15 July 2026
  • 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
Definition of spawning
Adjective
  • Julian Dennison stars as the troubled Ricky Baker, a kid who ends up on the run with an irascible old man, played by Sam Neill.
    — Brian Tallerico, Vulture, 14 July 2026
  • Neill starred in the first two seasons of Peaky Blinders as Chester Campbell, an irascible and ruthless inspector charged with rooting out organized crime in Birmingham.
    — Jake Kanter, Deadline, 13 July 2026
Definition of irascible
Adjective
  • Like most expectant parents, Briana Faucette heard the typical warnings about sleepless nights.
    — Roni Robbins, AJC.com, 20 July 2026
  • Now, a ritual for expectant parents who are prepping for a momentous life change and want to squeeze in a little rest, relaxation, and quiet time before the baby comes and shakes things up!
    — Kara Nesvig, Parents, 15 July 2026
Definition of expectant

Browse Nearby Words

brooded (about or over)
brooding
brooding (about or over)
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Cite this Entry

“Brooding.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/brooding. Accessed 22 Jul. 2026.

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Nglish: Translation of brooding for Spanish Speakers

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