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 Some people want to start the day with coffee or tea, while others want to shower or meditate. Antoine Andrews, Forbes.com, 23 Apr. 2025 There are lots of ways to do that, from reading literature (as philosopher Martha Nussbaum recommends) to meditating (as the Buddhists recommend). Sigal Samuel, Vox, 20 Apr. 2025 Gets killed while meditating in an attempt to impress Chelsea. Jessica M. Goldstein, Vulture, 31 Mar. 2025 Elsbeth turns the corner to see former tech CEO Quinn Powell (Elizabeth Lail) trying to meditate in her cell. Esther Kang, People.com, 7 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for meditate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for meditate
Verb
  • But nobody within the club is contemplating that possibility.
    Matt Woosnam, New York Times, 17 May 2025
  • Tessa's contemplating a major move for her career while her estranged addict father forces his way back into her life.
    Megan Vick, EW.com, 17 May 2025
Verb
  • More: Trump stops South Africa aid over land act intended to address apartheid legacy South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has disputed Trump's claims about land confiscation and discrimination against white South Africans.
    Joey Garrison, USA Today, 11 May 2025
  • The winery includes two unexpectedly salient attractions intended to enhance wine tourism in Azerbaijan.
    Tom Mullen, Forbes.com, 11 May 2025
Verb
  • That could also come into play as Dungey and her team ponder more comedies on TBS and another tentpole drama for TNT.
    Michael Schneider, Variety, 14 May 2025
  • While Malibu leaders ponder the future, the state of most of the septic systems along PCH remains a mystery.
    James Rainey, Los Angeles Times, 11 May 2025
Verb
  • The Miami-headquartered Restaurant Brands International (RBI) plans to spend up to $700 million through 2028 as part of its plan to revitalize Burger King.
    Mike Snider, USA Today, 14 May 2025
  • But experts warn that unless Americans start planning for longer lives now—incorporating realistic longevity assumptions, controlling debt, and boosting retirement savings—the growing population of centenarians may be financially worse off than ever.
    Suzanne Blake, MSNBC Newsweek, 13 May 2025
Verb
  • The material contained on this site is intended to inform, entertain and educate the reader and in no way represents an inducement to gamble legally or illegally or any sort of professional advice.
    Rachel Hale, USA Today, 14 May 2025
  • Flanked by its banking advisors at Goldman Sachs, Morgan Stanley, and Robey Warshaw, ITV has reportedly been entertaining potential suitors since at least last November.
    Max Goldbart, Deadline, 14 May 2025
Verb
  • So now the mystery of high U.S. interest rates makes sense: keep the dollar strong to keep the confetti going and the runaway government spending funded.
    Clem Chambers, Forbes.com, 19 May 2025
  • Season 2 will see Charles (Danson) going undercover at a college.
    Denise Petski, Deadline, 19 May 2025
Verb
  • Dolton police did not respond to requests for information about the block but Trustee Belcher said the area was considered the rougher part of the village.
    Michael Loria, USA Today, 19 May 2025
  • It's been well over a decade since Aaliyah last scored a hit on the R&B/Hip-Hop Airplay tally, which is considered the most competitive radio ranking in those genres.
    Hugh McIntyre, Forbes.com, 18 May 2025
Verb
  • But the defense is hoping to cast her recollections merely as sickening details in a deranged love story between two consenting and jealous adults.
    Anna Kaufman, USA Today, 17 May 2025
  • Officials hope the finds will provide more information about previous inhabitants of Zacatecas and their burial practices.
    Aspen Pflughoeft, Miami Herald, 16 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Meditate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/meditate. Accessed 24 May. 2025.

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