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 By focusing on a simple physical task like folding, the inner mind is freed to meditate subconsciously. Jazz Monroe, Pitchfork, 17 Sep. 2025 The statute allows students to reflect, meditate, pray, or sit quietly by individual choice, but prohibits schools from coercing students into any particular activity. Alice Gibbs, MSNBC Newsweek, 17 Sep. 2025 Guests can access the trail, meditate with the resident Buddhist monk, go whitewater rafting on the Mo Chhu river, and visit the picturesque Punakha Dzong, a centuries-old fortress. Katie Lockhart, Travel + Leisure, 14 Sep. 2025 Those who pause for breaks, meditate, do yoga, get enough sleep, build a support network and ask for help perform at a higher level. Samantha Dewalt, Fortune, 12 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for meditate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for meditate
Verb
  • Hoover bounces back with a clean game, while Coach Prime contemplates making a quarterback change.
    Steven Johnson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 3 Oct. 2025
  • In 2024, almost one in four Americans experienced mental illness, almost 18% had substance abuse problems and over 5% had contemplated suicide, according to the news release.
    Ray Stern, AZCentral.com, 2 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • The proposal of a drone wall, which is particularly supported by Baltic and Eastern European states, is intended as both a deterrence and defensive barrier, as well as a way to pool resources to bolster Europe’s collective defense.
    Holly Ellyatt, CNBC, 1 Oct. 2025
  • The outcome will help define the limits of executive discretion over funds Congress intended to be risk-based and politically neutral, with broad implications for federal-state relations and public safety.
    Robert Alexander, MSNBC Newsweek, 1 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Instead, the Mets are back to square one, pondering a new kind of disappointment.
    Tim Britton, New York Times, 30 Sep. 2025
  • Over a mashup of fiddles and guitars, Tod and Jennings blend their rough-hewn voices on a song about consequences for older vices and choices, pondering when the consequences of those actions outweigh the vices themselves.
    Jessica Nicholson, Billboard, 29 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • In 2025, there's a lot more open space and outdoor activities than what would have been planned before the pandemic.
    Alysa Guffey, IndyStar, 2 Oct. 2025
  • Griffith decided to proceed to trial as planned.
    Quinlan Bentley, Cincinnati Enquirer, 2 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • The historic Belcourt Theatre will entertain all the Music City cinephiles.
    Craig Shoup, Nashville Tennessean, 1 Oct. 2025
  • All of these films have been heavily influenced by 20th century pulp fiction writers, but for his latest movie, Black goes directly to the source, adapting one of the genre’s key figures for an action-comedy as offbeat, idiosyncratic, and entertaining as any Black has made.
    Jim Hemphill, IndieWire, 1 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Milwaukee rewarded him with a two-year, $11 million contract in July, and, with Damian Lillard gone, Porter is now the point guard, which was confirmed by Doc Rivers a few weeks ago.
    Stan Son, New York Times, 7 Oct. 2025
  • They Chiefs needed just five plays to go 97 yards for the TD.
    Pete Grathoff, Kansas City Star, 7 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Front Office Sports reported Friday that Stars ownership is considering a site in Plano, Texas, approximately 20 miles from Dallas.
    Rob Rossi, New York Times, 4 Oct. 2025
  • In traditional Chinese medicine, this spice is considered to have antiseptic and digestive benefits.
    Susan Selasky, Freep.com, 4 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Republicans hope that more Democratic senators will break ranks with their leadership and vote to reopen the government as pressure mounts from voters.
    Amanda Castro, MSNBC Newsweek, 1 Oct. 2025
  • Rays fans hope habitual cost-cutting will end with new ownership and an influx of capital.
    Barry M. Bloom, Sportico.com, 1 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Meditate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/meditate. Accessed 8 Oct. 2025.

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