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

Synonyms & Similar Words

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 The moments of joy and lightness are interspersed with shots of Williams in deep contemplation. Audrey Gibbs, The Tennessean, 7 Aug. 2025 This is a moment of contemplation and relaxation. Lisa Stardust, Refinery29, 6 Aug. 2025 The youth event in Rome – part of the Catholic Church’s jubilee celebrations – saw Leo both embrace the young people’s enthusiasm but ensure moments of quiet contemplation. Christopher Lamb, CNN Money, 3 Aug. 2025 This is coming after a period of rest, contemplation, and confusion about where your life is headed. Meghan Rose, Glamour, 1 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for contemplation
Recent Examples of Synonyms for contemplation
Noun
  • The short film, commissioned and distributed by WePresent, won the Academy Award for best live action short film in 2022 and served as a meditation on belonging and rising intolerance.
    Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 3 Sep. 2025
  • Yoga, Zumba, aqua conditioning, meditation, group fitness classes, and personal training sessions are also available.
    Patricia Doherty, Travel + Leisure, 2 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • Given that the Court, under Chief Justice John Roberts, has already significantly undermined past interpretations of Voting Rights Act, there is significant anticipation that the majority-minority districts will be struck down as unconstitutional.
    Tom Rogers, MSNBC Newsweek, 4 Sep. 2025
  • The marathon comes in anticipation of Fathom Events' theatrical rerelease of the Twilight saga at the end of October and beginning of November, coinciding with the 20th anniversary of the publication of Stephanie Meyer's original Twilight novel.
    Wesley Stenzel, Entertainment Weekly, 4 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • The company boasted results that pointed to Chili’s consistent traffic and sales performance, and also guided its fiscal year 2026 earnings per share estimates slightly above analysts’ expectations, according to FactSet.
    Pia Singh, CNBC, 4 Sep. 2025
  • How toxic workplaces emerge When managers fail to set clear expectations, communicate openly and model respectful behavior, dysfunction spreads and a toxic workplace is born.
    Alora Bopray, USA Today, 3 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Contemplation.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/contemplation. Accessed 10 Sep. 2025.

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