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 Before bed, wind down with a relaxing routine—read a book, meditate or listen to calming music. Raquel Gomes, Forbes, 3 Mar. 2025 Sometimes, that means meditating and simply being in the moment. Martine Thompson, Essence, 21 Mar. 2025 This could be a great time to journal or meditate to untangle your feelings, Aries. Valerie Mesa, People.com, 19 Mar. 2025 The play becomes thematically twinned with Jacobs-Jenkins’ The Comeuppance in its approach to meditating on the past and stacking it against the present to better understand the future. Lovia Gyarkye, The Hollywood Reporter, 19 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for meditate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for meditate
Verb
  • Google had contemplated deals with Android phone makers such as Samsung that would provide exclusivity for not only its search app, but also for its Gemini AI app and Chrome browser, according to a document shown at trial.
    Jody Godoy, USA Today, 23 Apr. 2025
  • To see why, contemplate a recent Wall Street Journal headline concerning Meta.
    John Tamny, Forbes.com, 23 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • The information provided here is not intended as medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.
    Scott Paddock, Forbes.com, 29 Apr. 2025
  • How is this playing out in 2025? California leaders say that their sanctuary policies are intended to ensure undocumented immigrants can live in their communities without fear of deportation.
    Soumya Karlamangla, New York Times, 29 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • Gibson ponders Indigeneity, belonging, modern music and a more equitable future across the exhibit’s paintings, sculptures, flags and video installation.
    Alia Yee Noll, Los Angeles Times, 1 May 2025
  • Asking this question encourages employees to pause and ponder.
    Rachel Pacheco, Forbes.com, 1 May 2025
Verb
  • The community was planning to shoot a video on May 2 to invite the crew.
    Taylor Ardrey, USA Today, 2 May 2025
  • The organization plans to back GLP-1s like Wegovy and Zepbound to treat obesity in adults as part of a shift in addressing the global obesity epidemic, as reported by Reuters.
    Angelica Stabile, FOXNews.com, 2 May 2025
Verb
  • Not only will the audience be entertained by the product but the entire sport will be lifted as a result.
    Jeremy Hanna, MSNBC Newsweek, 1 May 2025
  • The Browns wouldn’t entertain his trade demand and plan to continue to have Garrett wreck opposing offenses.
    Zac Jackson, New York Times, 1 May 2025
Verb
  • After the Timberwolves' Anthony Edwards poked the proverbial bear, Doncic turned his game up a notch, scoring 31 points to go with 12 rebounds and nine assists (on a perfect 11-for-11 from the free-throw line) to give the Lakers a 94-85 victory in Game 2, evening the series.
    Thomas G. Moukawsher, MSNBC Newsweek, 26 Apr. 2025
  • And then, all of the sudden, the girlfriend’s gone.
    Chantz Martin, FOXNews.com, 26 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • Financial success often creates opportunities for broader, more impactful goals—ones that may not have been considered at the outset.
    Andrew Rosen, Forbes.com, 24 Apr. 2025
  • Media reports suggest Rubio skipped the talks over Ukraine's refusal to consider the U.S. proposal on Crimea.
    Amanda Castro, MSNBC Newsweek, 24 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • Last week, a Ninth Circuit panel denied a request by the administration for a stay in one of the cases, Shilling v. Trump, which was filed on behalf of seven transgender troops actively serving as well as an individual hoping to enlist.
    Elena Moore, NPR, 22 Apr. 2025
  • The couple joined the Grange three months ago and hope to get involved in future classes on the topics of processing chickens, growing mushrooms and canning food.
    Julie Gallant, San Diego Union-Tribune, 22 Apr. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Meditate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/meditate. Accessed 6 May. 2025.

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