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
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Recent Examples of contemplation
Tiffany approaches her projects with research and contemplation and then follows through with flawless details.
—
Heide Janssen, Oc Register, 15 Mar. 2026
Eid al-Fitr is a time of renewal after Ramadan's month of spiritual cleansing, self-restraint and contemplation and is a joyous time to spend with friends and family.
—C. A. Bridges, Oklahoman, 14 Mar. 2026
The paradox that the lush and peaceful surroundings also harbored the violent history of enslavement offered visiting artists further nuance for contemplation.
—Amy Paige Condon, AJC.com, 12 Mar. 2026
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
See All Example Sentences for contemplation
Heide Janssen, Oc Register, 15 Mar. 2026
Eid al-Fitr is a time of renewal after Ramadan's month of spiritual cleansing, self-restraint and contemplation and is a joyous time to spend with friends and family.
—C. A. Bridges, Oklahoman, 14 Mar. 2026
The paradox that the lush and peaceful surroundings also harbored the violent history of enslavement offered visiting artists further nuance for contemplation.
—Amy Paige Condon, AJC.com, 12 Mar. 2026
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
See All Example Sentences for contemplation
Recent Examples of Synonyms for contemplation
Noun
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With a background in Kundalini yoga, breath work, meditation and sound healing, Raccio is a 20-year veteran of the wellness space.—
Rebecca Leib,
Los Angeles Times,
13 Apr. 2026
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The Christophers starts as the tale of a forgery, but ends as an intimate meditation on art.—
David Sims,
The Atlantic,
10 Apr. 2026
Noun
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Adventist Health Arena was rocking as the anticipation for a Game 3 lingered.—
Carmela Karcher,
CBS News,
11 Apr. 2026
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That anticipation for Season 3, premiering Sunday, still lingers for Fletcher, though it’s tempered now by doubt and distance, thanks to a four-year gap between seasons.—
Precious Fondren,
Los Angeles Times,
9 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Contemplation.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/contemplation. Accessed 17 Apr. 2026.
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