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
Synonyms & Similar Words
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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 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
Writing made this possible by putting words before the individual for contemplation.
—Big Think, 16 Nov. 2025
Danny Brown spent his last album, 2023’s Quaranta, in quiet contemplation.
—Stephen Kearse, Rolling Stone, 10 Nov. 2025
In Hiroshima, travelers have the opportunity for quiet contemplation at the memorial museum and garden, and lectures and presentations on board put everything into context.
—Fran Golden, AFAR Media, 6 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for contemplation
Jenny Berg, Allure, 5 Dec. 2025
Writing made this possible by putting words before the individual for contemplation.
—Big Think, 16 Nov. 2025
Danny Brown spent his last album, 2023’s Quaranta, in quiet contemplation.
—Stephen Kearse, Rolling Stone, 10 Nov. 2025
In Hiroshima, travelers have the opportunity for quiet contemplation at the memorial museum and garden, and lectures and presentations on board put everything into context.
—Fran Golden, AFAR Media, 6 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for contemplation
Recent Examples of Synonyms for contemplation
Noun
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Studies have shown that meditation can help lower blood pressure, boost immunity, improve sleep, and slow memory loss.—
Kris Slugg,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
27 Jan. 2026
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People come on silent retreat for a week or two at a time and spend most of their days sitting in the Zendo—the meditation hall—facing a wall or tracing walking meditations on the gravel paths that meander through Upaya’s gardens.—
Michael Pollan,
The Atlantic,
26 Jan. 2026
Noun
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Giorgio Armani As the first runway show since Giorgio Armani’s passing in September, there was a certain level of anticipation behind the late designer’s eponymous brand this runway season.—
Brett F. Braley-Palko,
Forbes.com,
23 Jan. 2026
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The high anticipation of the NFL playoff game on Sunday afternoon turned out to be a total dumb and dumber game.—
Ticked Off,
The Orlando Sentinel,
23 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Contemplation.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/contemplation. Accessed 27 Jan. 2026.
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