Definition of meditatenext

Synonym Chooser

How is the word meditate different from other verbs like it?

Some common synonyms of meditate are muse, ponder, and ruminate. While all these words mean "to consider or examine attentively or deliberately," meditate implies a definite focusing of one's thoughts on something so as to understand it deeply.

meditated on the meaning of life

When can muse be used instead of meditate?

The meanings of muse and meditate largely overlap; however, muse suggests a more or less focused daydreaming as in remembrance.

mused upon childhood joys

Where would ponder be a reasonable alternative to meditate?

The words ponder and meditate can be used in similar contexts, but ponder implies a careful weighing of a problem or, often, prolonged inconclusive thinking about a matter.

pondered the course of action

When is ruminate a more appropriate choice than meditate?

In some situations, the words ruminate and meditate are roughly equivalent. However, ruminate implies going over the same matter in one's thoughts again and again but suggests little of either purposive thinking or rapt absorption.

ruminated on past disappointments

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 meditate Her memoir, meditating on professional burnout, reinvention, and definitions of midlife success, was named a Best New Book by People Magazine and The Boston Globe. Matt Grobar, Deadline, 18 June 2026 Women meditated on Christ’s Passion, following its stages in prayers that drew power from their own physical suffering. Literary Hub, 16 June 2026 You’re supposed to meditate and pray. Michael Hollett, SPIN, 14 June 2026 The study included 103 adults who were asked to meditate while their brain activity was monitored using an electroencephalogram or EEG test, a tool that measures electrical patterns in the brain through sensors placed on the scalp. Jacqueline Howard, CNN Money, 7 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for meditate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for meditate
Verb
  • To see why, readers need only contemplate the growth of wealth around the United States at all income levels.
    John Tamny, Forbes.com, 29 June 2026
  • But Cox and other officials warned anyone contemplating attending the fireworks festivities not to bring drones – or face arrest and a $100,000 fine.
    Josh Meyer, USA Today, 29 June 2026
Verb
  • The end of Temporary Protected Status — a program intended to protect people in the event of a natural disaster — heightened concerns about deportation to a country that is reeling after twin earthquakes from June 24.
    Andrea Castillo, Los Angeles Times, 6 July 2026
  • If Washington intends to withdraw forces, assets or capabilities, allies need a roadmap and a timeline.
    Elsa Ohlen, CNBC, 6 July 2026
Verb
  • This anxiety often leads to rumination, where individuals endlessly ponder potential outcomes without actual preparation, mistakenly equating thinking with problem-solving.
    Dr. Diane Hamilton, Forbes.com, 4 July 2026
  • Bravo is sipping its cuppa and pondering what to do about those interesting ladies across the pond.
    Jason P. Frank, Vulture, 1 July 2026
Verb
  • Future projects being planned in the central city for delivery over the next five years will include other office-to-apartment conversions and new housing built from the ground up.
    Roger Vincent, Los Angeles Times, 30 June 2026
  • Lawmakers plan to direct the Department of Finance to present the Legislature with options for how to do that.
    CBS News, CBS News, 30 June 2026
Verb
  • Even now at more than 50 years old, there is something undeniable about the movie’s ability to entertain, delight and terrify an audience.
    Mark Olsen, Los Angeles Times, 3 July 2026
  • The on-site Children’s Garden adds to its appeal, with interactive features that keep younger visitors entertained for hours.
    Lauren Dana Ellman, Travel + Leisure, 3 July 2026
Verb
  • News of his death – one example of the political violence roiling America in recent years – quickly went global, with graphic videos flooding social media and politicians on both sides of the aisle swiftly condemning the killing.
    Nicki Brown, CNN Money, 6 July 2026
  • Leo Jimenez also went deep for the Marlins, who set a franchise record with 12 homers for a three-game series.
    Miami Herald, Miami Herald, 6 July 2026
Verb
  • And on bikes no-one sane would ever consider banging around a racetrack on.
    New Atlas, New Atlas, 6 July 2026
  • The Teller's wedding no-show still comes a surprise, considering Keleigh has been friends with Taylor for well over a decade.
    Emlyn Travis, Entertainment Weekly, 6 July 2026
Verb
  • Kean will face Democrat Rebecca Bennett, a former Navy helicopter pilot, in November for New Jersey's 7th Congressional District, a toss-up district Democrats hope to flip.
    Lalee Ibssa, ABC News, 30 June 2026
  • Meanwhile, the Warriors hope to get a commitment from James on Tuesday but had not received that commitment as of early afternoon, per ESPN.
    Anthony Chiang, Miami Herald, 30 June 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Meditate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/meditate. Accessed 6 Jul. 2026.

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