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
The genre invites focus and contemplation, and its structure is balanced with improvisation, which creates a sense of flow and impermanence.
—
Anna Haines, Forbes.com, 11 Sep. 2025
Bill gravitates towards Tammy (Jane Levy), his daughter-in-law and the only other person in his rambunctious household who values contemplation and repose.
—Jill Goldsmith, Deadline, 29 Aug. 2025
In the rarified air of Aspen, Gray’s visions of Black joy and mobility find new contexts for contemplation, ensuring that conversations about representation and belonging continue beyond the gallery’s walls.
—Skylar Mitchell, Essence, 11 Aug. 2025
What an enthralling place that ridge is to celebrate a new day in solitude, contemplation and wonder.
—John Meyer, Denver Post, 11 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for contemplation
Anna Haines, Forbes.com, 11 Sep. 2025
Bill gravitates towards Tammy (Jane Levy), his daughter-in-law and the only other person in his rambunctious household who values contemplation and repose.
—Jill Goldsmith, Deadline, 29 Aug. 2025
In the rarified air of Aspen, Gray’s visions of Black joy and mobility find new contexts for contemplation, ensuring that conversations about representation and belonging continue beyond the gallery’s walls.
—Skylar Mitchell, Essence, 11 Aug. 2025
What an enthralling place that ridge is to celebrate a new day in solitude, contemplation and wonder.
—John Meyer, Denver Post, 11 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for contemplation
Recent Examples of Synonyms for contemplation
Noun
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The book alternates between memoir and cookbook, sharing recipes for dishes like Mom’s Lasagna, dandelion frittata and chicken cacciatore, alongside tales of growing up in Buffalo, recollections of family canning season and meditations on the ties between family and food.—
Kate Bradshaw,
Mercury News,
30 Sep. 2025
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Sleep, meditation, and yoga help overall coping and pain.—
Lana Barhum,
Verywell Health,
30 Sep. 2025
Noun
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And the ride is better for the anticipation of it.—
JD Barker,
Rolling Stone,
25 Sep. 2025
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After months of anticipation, the biggest weekend for Sacramento’s culinary scene is fast approaching.—
Camila Pedrosa,
Sacbee.com,
25 Sep. 2025
Noun
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The expectation was that rates could move more decisively on Friday, when the monthly employment report was set for release, but the government shutdown now has that in limbo.—
Diana Olick,
CNBC,
1 Oct. 2025
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Armed with probably their best shot at making the NBA Finals since Patrick Ewing's '90s heyday, the 2025-26 New York Knicks are hoping not to shrink under the weight of hefty expectations.—
Alex Kirschenbaum,
MSNBC Newsweek,
1 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Contemplation.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/contemplation. Accessed 2 Oct. 2025.
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