meditative

adjective

ˈme-də-ˌtā-tiv How to pronounce meditative (audio)
Definition of meditativenext
as in thoughtful
given to or marked by long, quiet thinking I've been in a meditative mood all day

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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 meditative Guides recommend doing it three or more times to settle into a more meditative state of mind. — Lilit Marcus, CNN Money, 1 Oct. 2026 The meditative moment echoes the themes at the heart of the design, reflecting the beauty of shaping something over time through patience, care and intention, Birkenstock noted. — Stephen Garner, Footwear News, 28 Sep. 2026 Pale woods, greenery and clean lines create a Scandinavian vibe that feels almost meditative. — Susan Stapleton, Des Moines Register, 18 Sep. 2026 He’s taken by the meditative musical vibrations, and he’s even framed against a glass window that appears to shimmer, as though the rusty gears of his mind and heart are forced to rotate and a power a bulb somewhere off screen. — Siddhant Adlakha, Variety, 11 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for meditative
Recent Examples of Synonyms for meditative
  1. thoughtful
  2. melancholy
  3. reflective
  4. contemplative
  5. philosophical
  6. pensive
Adjective
  • And Winnie-the-Pooh continues to sit, in a thoughtful sort of way, which is what very old bears in very nice glass cases mostly do.
    — STEVE HENDRIX THE WASHINGTON POST, Arkansas Online, 21 Oct. 2026
  • While the palette is narrow, thoughtful color moments are strategically placed through accents like carpets and textiles.
    — Audrey Lee, Architectural Digest, 20 Oct. 2026
Definition of thoughtful
Adjective
  • Perhaps that doubt is the secret melancholy at the heart of even their most seemingly celebratory songs.
    — Philip Sherburne, Pitchfork, 20 Oct. 2026
  • To be born whole again into the world, a new world—a world without melancholy.
    — Daniel Barnum, Longreads, 15 Oct. 2026
Definition of melancholy
Adjective
  • Community members' opposition to data center development in Memphis is reflective of the broader attitude across America in recent months.
    — Lauren Fichten, CBS News, 21 Oct. 2026
  • José Antonio Bañuelos-Díaz, 42, a Mexican national and West Adams resident, appeared in court wearing a reflective vest with the name of a landscaping company, blue jeans and boots with the American flag on them.
    — Kevin Rector, Los Angeles Times, 20 Oct. 2026
Definition of reflective
Adjective
  • Hawka envisions contemplative, quiet scenes in the countryside, with natural light and a documentary-like approach, contrasted with the noise, intense colors, and chaos of the city.
    — Katherine Brodsky, Variety, 12 Oct. 2026
  • Borisov’s brainy, tender, deeply contemplative performance lends an anchoring humanity to a film that might otherwise have curdled into sourness and despair — though there’s plenty of reason for that.
    — David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 6 Oct. 2026
Definition of contemplative
Adjective
  • To cope with this reality, philosophical and religious traditions such as Buddhism and Stoicism have long focused on transience, unpredictability, and the inevitability of change and loss.
    — Maia Szalavitz, Scientific American, 20 Oct. 2026
  • Their enduring presence in literary and philosophical discussions speaks to the core function of the humanities—to explore, question, and better understand the forces that define our existence.
    — Maria Papadouris, JSTOR Daily, 20 Oct. 2026
Definition of philosophical
Adjective
  • Totally suggests the pensive headspace of an adult returning to his childhood haunts trying to make sense of it all.
    — Harry Thorfinn-George, Pitchfork, 22 Oct. 2026
  • Enough with the pensive mood pieces; bring back the pie f**king!
    — Richard Lawson, HollywoodReporter, 9 Sep. 2026
Definition of pensive

Browse Nearby Words

meditations
meditative
medium
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Cite this Entry

“Meditative.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/meditative. Accessed 25 Oct. 2026.

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