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
Its brooding, cyberpunk aesthetic is a strong visual choice for telling the story of a former Sith lord whose double-bladed lightsaber dazzled so many viewers in The Phantom Menace. Kevin Jacobsen, Entertainment Weekly, 26 July 2026 Though Hunt and Pacquin rightly won all the plaudits, Neill memorably played the brooding and jealous Alisdair. Abid Rahman, HollywoodReporter, 13 July 2026
Verb
The show follows the dark, century-spanning relationship between brooding 1800s New Orleanian Louis de Pointe du Lac (played by Jacob Anderson) and his maker, Lestat de Lioncourt (played by Sam Reid). Hannah Giorgis Yohannes, Vanity Fair, 13 July 2026 Pianist Lex Korten and trumpeter Adam O’Farrill open freely, crash landing into the suite with cold, brooding interplay as opposed to the straightforward funk vamp of Roach’s version. Rae-Aila Crumble, Pitchfork, 25 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for brooding
Recent Examples of Synonyms for brooding
Adjective
  • Then, after Erica has a peevish moment with Scotty, the gang hears about the landing party’s prehistoric adventures over drinks.
    Keith Phipps, Vulture, 23 July 2026
  • The great speculators became talkative and communicative or dull, sullen, silent, and peevish.
    Owen Lamont, Fortune, 2 July 2026
Adjective
  • The free meals program aims to combat malnutrition and reduce childhood stunting by providing meals to nearly 90 million students, toddlers and pregnant women.
    ABC News, ABC News, 5 Sep. 2026
  • Babies are born recognizing the language the pregnant woman spoke.
    Torie Bosch, STAT, 5 Sep. 2026
Verb
  • Amid a scorching stretch, Bregman ends the month with his lifetime total now sitting at two.
    Meghan Montemurro, Chicago Tribune, 1 Sep. 2026
  • While sitting next to her at Sant Ambroeus in New York, Twine is as light and calm as ever, despite experiencing such pivotal life accomplishments in such quick succession.
    Kiana Murden, Vogue, 1 Sep. 2026
Adjective
  • The product immediately calmed down my irritable, rosacea-prone skin while delivering intense hydration that lasted all day.
    Gina Vaynshteyn, StyleCaster, 31 Aug. 2026
  • How skipping breakfast affects kids at school Nemours KidsHealth reports that kids who miss the morning meal often feel tired, restless or irritable by midmorning.
    Ashley Lynch, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 25 Aug. 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 format was part talk show, part first date, and the tone was often flirtatious and awkward, spawning several viral moments over the years.
    Amy B Wang, Washington Post, 3 Sep. 2026
  • Despite a mixed reception from critics upon its release, Cruel Intentions has since become a cult classic, spawning a prequel, a sequel, a jukebox musical, and a TV series.
    Brianna Zigler, Entertainment Weekly, 1 Sep. 2026
Adjective
  • My backyard tortoise, Philbert, has been most irascible and taken to his fainting couch (cardboard box).
    STAT Staff, STAT, 6 Aug. 2026
  • Graham, who died unexpectedly on July 11 at age 71, was equally irascible and incorrigible.
    Philip Elliott, Time, 28 July 2026
Adjective
  • English also included a selfie of the expectant parents, who got engaged in December, with smiles on their faces.
    Kayla Grant, PEOPLE, 31 Aug. 2026
  • The Call Her Daddy host, who is pregnant with her first child, has been clearing out other expectant moms' baby registries on social media.
    Emma Hinchliffe, Fortune, 18 Aug. 2026

Cite this Entry

“Brooding.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/brooding. Accessed 9 Sep. 2026.

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