1
as in meditation
long or deep thinking about spiritual matters
the decision to enter a monastery and to spend one's life in prayer and contemplation
Synonyms & Similar Words
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2
as in anticipation
the act or state of looking forward to some occurrence
in contemplation of their children's college expenses, they started saving early
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Recent Examples of contemplation
The resulting home is a small architectural gem, as well as a contemplation on writing.
—
Ludovica Stevan, Architectural Digest, 21 Apr. 2026
The North Carolina folk-rock band’s quiet and rambling third album exists in a cloud of dreamy contemplation.
—Jayson Greene, Pitchfork, 1 Apr. 2026
July 23 – August 22 Money choices benefit from thoughtful contemplation.
—Tarot.com, New York Daily News, 31 Mar. 2026
Yalkin’s images give form to memory, transporting us into a twirling state of contemplation.
—Caterina De Biasio, Vogue, 31 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for contemplation
Ludovica Stevan, Architectural Digest, 21 Apr. 2026
The North Carolina folk-rock band’s quiet and rambling third album exists in a cloud of dreamy contemplation.
—Jayson Greene, Pitchfork, 1 Apr. 2026
July 23 – August 22 Money choices benefit from thoughtful contemplation.
—Tarot.com, New York Daily News, 31 Mar. 2026
Yalkin’s images give form to memory, transporting us into a twirling state of contemplation.
—Caterina De Biasio, Vogue, 31 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for contemplation
Recent Examples of Synonyms for contemplation
Noun
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Studies have shown that meditation can help lower blood pressure, boost immunity, improve sleep, and slow memory loss.—
Kris Slugg,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
2 May 2026
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Over the course of the day and evening, old secrets, resentments, and regrets bubble up to the surface and Altman crafts a devastating meditation on memory, identity, and the necessity as well as the danger of a vivid fantasy life.—
Jim Hemphill,
IndieWire,
1 May 2026
Noun
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Milazimi’s exhibition for the 2026 Kosovo pavilion, curated by José Esparza Chong Cuy, centers around a massive, eight-panel painting that foregrounds groups of such figures in various states of suspension and anticipation.—
Thomas Patier,
Artforum,
7 May 2026
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The riders Gagliarducci, co-owner of Andre’s Italian Restaurant who lives in Studio City, moved her family’s restaurant to 5400 Wilshire Boulevard in 2024, in anticipation of the D Line extension.—
Steve Scauzillo,
Daily News,
7 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Contemplation.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/contemplation. Accessed 9 May. 2026.
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