CONTEMPLATIVE Synonyms: 49 Similar and Opposite Words

contemplative

adjective

kən-ˈtem-plə-tiv

Definition of contemplative

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 Pilgrims walk between temples, rest in historic ryokan and keep to contemplative daily rituals that discourage mass, high-speed tourism. — Christopher Elliott, Forbes.com, 16 Aug. 2026 The pacing feels off throughout much of the film, with comic and contemplative asides gumming up the central caper. — Alison Foreman, IndieWire, 12 Aug. 2026 The sound design — marked by silences, ambient natural sounds such as snowfall and birdsong, the unhurried rhythm of speech, and an original score built on tranquil orchestral elements — amplifies the film’s contemplative tone. — Vanessa Rampton, STAT, 5 Aug. 2026 The animation perfectly complements its contemplative pace, drawing us deeper into its haunting world. — William Earl, Variety, 25 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for contemplative

Recent Examples of Synonyms for contemplative

Adjective

The fall 2026 collections leaned into this expression of individuality, showcasing an array of accents that encourage thoughtful experimentation.

— Andrea Zendejas, Vogue, 4 Sep. 2026
Every element is artful, thoughtful—a genuine expression of the Sersales’ enduring love affair with contemporary art and cultural storytelling.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 3 Sep. 2026

Definition of thoughtful

Adjective

The strength of the novel — and the source of its melancholy tone — is in its scope.

— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 1 Sep. 2026
Forte, and everyone else in the room, loved it, and as the lights went up, doubt and melancholy turned into frustration and confusion.

— Jon Blistein, Rolling Stone, 31 Aug. 2026

Definition of melancholy

Adjective

The now-familiar blend of folk, soul, and psychedelia dominates the album aesthetically, though James took spiritual cues from recordings of meditative organ performances by Alice Coltrane.

— Ryan Leas, Pitchfork, 28 Aug. 2026
Hosted earlier this month, the sound bath was the first of two events in the museum’s new Mindfulness Mornings at the Museum series, where guests can experience a meditative practice in the iconic gallery before opening hours.

— Emily Tarinelli, Los Angeles Times, 28 Aug. 2026

Definition of meditative

Adjective

Adrienne Senneville, who lives in neighboring New Hampshire, sat pensive outside of court on Monday, staring at the building in silence.

— Nicki Brown, CNN Money, 1 Sep. 2026
With three full-length albums in his rearview mirror, the Canadian singer-songwriter has surpassed 450 million global streams of his deeply pensive tracks chronicling universally existential themes.

— Jonathan Borge, InStyle, 27 Aug. 2026

Definition of pensive

Adjective

Although there’s a practical and personal basis to Wayne’s newfound commitment, there’s also a philosophical one that’s reflected in the movie’s title.

— Richard Brody, New Yorker, 4 Sep. 2026
Its founders and many of its early employees were sympathetic to the utilitarian philosophical movement known as effective altruism.

— Ben Smith, semafor.com, 3 Sep. 2026