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
After much contemplation, a solution presented itself.
—
Laurie Brookins, HollywoodReporter, 5 Jan. 2026
Some of those moms include the terrific performers Cindy Cheung and Liz Wisan, and the play itself promises satire, songs, bouffon, bodily fluids, and, underneath it all, a contemplation of overwhelming joy and ineffable heartache.
—Jackson McHenry, Vulture, 31 Dec. 2025
All three stories feature the pleasure of visual contemplation—especially in alluring sequences in which the characters, arriving by car, gaze through the windshield and savor the sights along the road ahead.
—Richard Brody, New Yorker, 22 Dec. 2025
The best incenses, however, set a more specific type of mood—one that can invite meditation, contemplation, and even spiritual connection.
—Jenny Berg, Allure, 5 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for contemplation
Laurie Brookins, HollywoodReporter, 5 Jan. 2026
Some of those moms include the terrific performers Cindy Cheung and Liz Wisan, and the play itself promises satire, songs, bouffon, bodily fluids, and, underneath it all, a contemplation of overwhelming joy and ineffable heartache.
—Jackson McHenry, Vulture, 31 Dec. 2025
All three stories feature the pleasure of visual contemplation—especially in alluring sequences in which the characters, arriving by car, gaze through the windshield and savor the sights along the road ahead.
—Richard Brody, New Yorker, 22 Dec. 2025
The best incenses, however, set a more specific type of mood—one that can invite meditation, contemplation, and even spiritual connection.
—Jenny Berg, Allure, 5 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for contemplation
Recent Examples of Synonyms for contemplation
Noun
-
While spa treatments are not included in the price of stay, like food and most activities, there are many wellness offerings like yoga, pilates, and meditation, a full gym, and use of a giant heated swimming pool that are included for no additional fee.—
Katie Mathews,
Condé Nast Traveler,
17 Feb. 2026
-
Upscale wellness resorts advertised the idea that a guest could come and experience meditation and spiritual healing without having to sleep on a floor, abstain from alcohol, or take a vow of silence.—
Lilit Marcus,
CNN Money,
16 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
The air was thick with anticipation and old snow.—
Rachel Handler,
Vulture,
13 Feb. 2026
-
Let anticipation do the heavy lifting.—
Alysia Reiner,
Flow Space,
13 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Contemplation.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/contemplation. Accessed 17 Feb. 2026.
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