brooding 1 of 2

adjective

Definition of broodingnext
1
as in moping

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2
as in pregnant

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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
Alvarez was a fan of the brooding, vulnerable bedroom pop that had turned the then-20-year-old, born David Anthony Burke, into a Gen Z sensation. — Nancy Dillon, Rolling Stone, 5 Aug. 2026 What results is a darker Spider-Man – not the brooding or grim sense of a Batman movie, but displaying the gravity that comes with the burden of responsibility. — Ken Makin, Christian Science Monitor, 3 Aug. 2026
Verb
To be fair, Snyder, who’s also credited as the film’s cinematographer, captures no shortage of admittedly stirring images throughout, especially those involving flickering light and brooding shadows. — Michael Rechtshaffen, HollywoodReporter, 14 Sep. 2026 This garlanded play of mind, as it is communicated through Koether’s art, has nothing heavy or brooding about it. — Barry Schwabsky, ARTnews.com, 8 Sep. 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
  • 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
Definition of peevish
Adjective
  • The criminal complaint states Israel was between 17 and 18 weeks pregnant.
    — WCCO Staff, CBS News, 22 Oct. 2026
  • There is not enough evidence on the effects of ingesting large amounts or highly concentrated clove formulations, especially for people who are pregnant or nursing.
    — Hanna Wickes, Kansas City Star, 21 Oct. 2026
Definition of pregnant
Verb
  • Unfortunately, Mascis has developed a similar reputation as an interview subject, quietly sitting and offering deft nonanswers.
    — Terrence O'Brien, The Verge, 18 Oct. 2026
  • There is something fitting about seeing Deakins, whose work is so often studied and dissected by others, sitting among the audience, still looking and listening.
    — Callum McLennan, Variety, 18 Oct. 2026
Definition of sitting
Adjective
  • Murray says her own experience has made her more understanding when female colleagues seem more tired or irritable than usual, particularly when the behavior is out of character.
    — Jo Ann Liguori, Flow Space, 21 Oct. 2026
  • Could be because for much of the running time, Abrams’ Jay Gardiner is up against what looks like a very large irritable sphincter.
    — David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 14 Oct. 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
  • The area is still going strong with Hurricane Simon and appears on the verge of spawning another one that will really ramp up in strength, Klotzbach said.
    — CBS News, CBS News, 13 Oct. 2026
  • This movie was massive, spawning three sequels, a spinoff TV series, and more.
    — Brian Tallerico, Vulture, 9 Oct. 2026
Definition of spawning
Adjective
  • The irascible Atmane then took his frustrations out on the net, smashing his racket on the net cord three times.
    — Ryan Canfield OutKick, FOXNews.com, 8 Oct. 2026
  • Well, as much as one of the league’s biggest personalities and irascible players can blend in.
    — Mark Lazerus, New York Times, 8 Sep. 2026
Definition of irascible
Adjective
  • The crowds outside a major fashion show often start to form a few hours in advance, with expectant fans hoping to spot their favorite celebrities.
    — José Criales-Unzueta, Vanity Fair, 28 Sep. 2026
  • 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
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 24 Oct. 2026.

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