Definition of contemplationnext
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

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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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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 contemplation Somewhere in the next hour after the field is announced, there will be contemplation and whining about the specter of the NCAA growing its postseason field, most likely to 76 teams. Mac Engel march 10, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 10 Mar. 2026 On the 900 acres, there is a secluded secret chapel that his majesty uses for private contemplation. Elle Meier, InStyle, 3 Mar. 2026 An episodic framework, physical comedy, a small ensemble of actors who are all at home in their clowns and who will all, at some point, drop the mask to speak to us as themselves — for Ogawa, these are ways to bring effervescence and intimacy to the contemplation of insoluble, heavy things. Sara Holdren, Vulture, 26 Feb. 2026 It was written after his father died from COVID, and as a contemplation of racial disparities in society. Adam Bell february 24, Charlotte Observer, 24 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for contemplation
Recent Examples of Synonyms for contemplation
Noun
  • The organization also hosts various classes including yoga, breath work, mindful meditation, mat Pilates and step aerobics at their studio, the WalkGood Yard, in Arlington Heights.
    Kailyn Brown, Los Angeles Times, 23 Mar. 2026
  • As well as hosting a range of species, many of the caves are used as shrines, or for meditation and other rituals, and are visited by tourists and pilgrims, according to the report.
    Amarachi Orie, CNN Money, 23 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • Stripping audiences of their sight, the production toys with the fear of anticipation, using light touch and scent to deliver its narrative.
    Todd Martens, Los Angeles Times, 26 Mar. 2026
  • All around, the neighborhood was just starting to come to life, sidewalks filling with anticipation.
    Andrew Carter, Chicago Tribune, 26 Mar. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Contemplation.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/contemplation. Accessed 30 Mar. 2026.

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