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 Space and contemplation, themes in his daily life, are also the foundation of Love Is the New Gangsta. Meagan Jordan, VIBE.com, 8 June 2026 Those could be be relationships, creative endeavors and the contemplation of big questions about life. Madeline Holcombe, CNN Money, 30 May 2026 Following several years of contemplation and asceticism, Dorje hopes to return to the United States to teach in Minnesota's Buddhist community at the Nyingmapa Taksham Buddhist Center. CBS News, 28 May 2026 The spaces are intended as places of contemplation and rejuvenation for the athletes. Jane Horowitz, Los Angeles Times, 26 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for contemplation
Recent Examples of Synonyms for contemplation
Noun
  • But also very enlightening and [a] profound time of self-reflection and fear, processing and meditation.
    KiMi Robinson, USA Today, 23 June 2026
  • In the image, Kidman appeared to enjoy a moment of meditation while out in nature.
    Lara Walsh, InStyle, 20 June 2026
Noun
  • His staff and a small pack of journalists had even gathered at Joint Base Andrews outside Washington in anticipation of the trip.
    Jamey Keaten, Chicago Tribune, 19 June 2026
  • The decline on Wednesday was driven by anticipation that the Federal Reserve will likely raise interest rates this year in an effort to fight inflation.
    ABC News, ABC News, 19 June 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Contemplation.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/contemplation. Accessed 27 Jun. 2026.

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