as in thoughtful
given to or marked by long, quiet thinking
a contemplative person who likes to go on solitary walks the contemplative life of the monks at the abbey
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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 contemplative
And against the bucolic backdrop, the women settle into a contemplative, shared existence, probing themselves and each other.
—
Elaina Patton, IndieWire, 12 May 2026
The setting leans quiet and contemplative rather than circuit-driven.
—Hanna Wickes, Charlotte Observer, 9 May 2026
In the book, Caputo’s initial pride and arrogance soon give way to a more contemplative spirit, followed by degeneration.
—Bob Goldsborough, Chicago Tribune, 8 May 2026
Silent periods and dedicated contemplative zones give the work room to settle.
—Lauren Schuster, Miami Herald, 6 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for contemplative
Elaina Patton, IndieWire, 12 May 2026
The setting leans quiet and contemplative rather than circuit-driven.
—Hanna Wickes, Charlotte Observer, 9 May 2026
In the book, Caputo’s initial pride and arrogance soon give way to a more contemplative spirit, followed by degeneration.
—Bob Goldsborough, Chicago Tribune, 8 May 2026
Silent periods and dedicated contemplative zones give the work room to settle.
—Lauren Schuster, Miami Herald, 6 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for contemplative
Recent Examples of Synonyms for contemplative
Adjective
-
There’s also a spacious indoor area filled with educational toys and games, and the friendly staff facilitate thoughtful activities like Nautical Knot Tying, Anguillan Boat Racing, nature walks, steel drum lessons, and sports including soccer, basketball, volleyball, and pickleball.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
16 May 2026
-
Instead of approaching pre-season cleaning as a frantic clear-out, experts suggest embracing thoughtful edits, a natural flow, and season-less updates that make a home feel lighter, more timeless and deeply personal.—
Jennifer Prince,
Southern Living,
16 May 2026
Adjective
-
He can be wounded and sensitive (as in In the Mood for Love), mysterious and melancholy (as in Wong’s 2046), or slick and savage (as in Ang Lee’s Lust, Caution).—
Bilge Ebiri,
Vulture,
14 May 2026
-
Certain Regard strand in 2016, or his melancholy, elegantly structured exploration of grief, Love Life, a Venice competitor from 2022.—
Leslie Felperin,
HollywoodReporter,
13 May 2026
Adjective
-
The activity is not unlike the way US and Soviet submarines tailed one another in the Cold War, but instead of running silent and running deep, highly reflective satellites easily stand out against the inky blackness of space.—
Stephen Clark,
ArsTechnica,
15 May 2026
-
The room and exhibition were rooted in vibrant yellow and orange hues, reflective of the Kalahari Desert in Southern Africa, believed to be the birthplace of modern humankind.—
Kristen Tauer,
Footwear News,
14 May 2026
Adjective
-
Old Cheng, however, did not break a sweat with his steady, meditative pace.—
Erin Tan,
NBC news,
13 May 2026
-
The Australian designer has worked with Jaeger-LeCoultre on Atmos reinterpretations since 2008, and the newest editions shown in Milan leaned into his signature futuristic minimalism without sacrificing the clock’s almost meditative presence.—
Taylor Stoddard,
Robb Report,
8 May 2026
Adjective
-
Historically, Rostam solo albums are full of pensive and personal moments—reflections on life while taking long walks, weighing conflicted emotions while lounging in bed—and this one is no exception.—
Molly Mary O’Brien,
Pitchfork,
15 May 2026
-
The Bookie & The Bruiser is set in 1959 New York City and features a pensive Jewish fellow named Rivner (James) and an oversized Italian-American tough named Boscolo (Vaughn).—
Anthony D'Alessandro,
Deadline,
4 May 2026
Adjective
-
One of the film’s biggest reflections involves a heady discourse on dialectical materialism, a complicated philosophical principle based on how opposing forces and contradictions fuel change.—
Randy Myers,
Mercury News,
18 May 2026
-
Aside from the snail’s contributions to modern armor and material sciences, Copley says, there are philosophical reasons to preserve the future of a creature that lives in an environment as alien and inaccessible to humans as any ecosystem on our planet.—
Adam Kovac,
Scientific American,
15 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Contemplative.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/contemplative. Accessed 21 May. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
