as in grinding
to reduce to fine particles
the dentist was in the habit of mulling the mercury amalgam in the palm of his hand
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Recent Examples of mulling
The Fire and Police Commission is mulling a recommendation the Milwaukee Police Department amend its police chase policy and restrict chases for reckless driving.
—
David Clarey, jsonline.com, 6 Mar. 2026
If anything, the multi-front conflict looked set to intensify, with Emirati officials reportedly mulling freezing billions of dollars worth of Iranian assets.
—Prashant Rao, semafor.com, 6 Mar. 2026
Khloé Kardashian is mulling over the possibility of expanding her family.
—Lara Walsh, InStyle, 4 Mar. 2026
According to the insider mulling the gay-tennis book, his development team is already approaching existing and forthcoming books differently as a result of Crave’s success.
—Josef Adalian, Vulture, 27 Feb. 2026
Every president treats the State of the Union as a chance to highlight their wins, less a venue for mulling over controversies or losses.
—Kevin Rector, Los Angeles Times, 25 Feb. 2026
Last August, Bloomberg reported that Shein was mulling moving its headquarters back to China to bump up its odds.
—Jasmin Malik Chua, Sourcing Journal, 24 Feb. 2026
Brockman writes in one entry, according to court documents, mulling over his goals and potential for the company.
—Tom Dotan, Vanity Fair, 23 Feb. 2026
With Taylor Decker mulling retirement, the hope is that the Lions receive an answer before the start of the new league year on March 11.
—Colton Pouncy, New York Times, 23 Feb. 2026
David Clarey, jsonline.com, 6 Mar. 2026
If anything, the multi-front conflict looked set to intensify, with Emirati officials reportedly mulling freezing billions of dollars worth of Iranian assets.
—Prashant Rao, semafor.com, 6 Mar. 2026
Khloé Kardashian is mulling over the possibility of expanding her family.
—Lara Walsh, InStyle, 4 Mar. 2026
According to the insider mulling the gay-tennis book, his development team is already approaching existing and forthcoming books differently as a result of Crave’s success.
—Josef Adalian, Vulture, 27 Feb. 2026
Every president treats the State of the Union as a chance to highlight their wins, less a venue for mulling over controversies or losses.
—Kevin Rector, Los Angeles Times, 25 Feb. 2026
Last August, Bloomberg reported that Shein was mulling moving its headquarters back to China to bump up its odds.
—Jasmin Malik Chua, Sourcing Journal, 24 Feb. 2026
Brockman writes in one entry, according to court documents, mulling over his goals and potential for the company.
—Tom Dotan, Vanity Fair, 23 Feb. 2026
With Taylor Decker mulling retirement, the hope is that the Lions receive an answer before the start of the new league year on March 11.
—Colton Pouncy, New York Times, 23 Feb. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for mulling
Verb
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The most grinding suspicions encountered by many survivors—about whether they were ever really struck at all—may in any case be mooted in the coming years.—
Jacob Stern,
The Atlantic,
16 Mar. 2026
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For the best coffee, Edwards recommends grinding your own fresh roasted coffee beans at home that were roasted at least five days ago and using the coffee grounds within a few weeks.—
Kait Hanson,
Southern Living,
15 Mar. 2026
Verb
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Surprise, surprise, the drums started pounding for the SOB Act shortly after (though various legislative attempts have floated since Proposition 12 was passed) backed by a Midwestern congresswoman from a Big Pork state.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
12 Mar. 2026
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The team became the spectacle of Havana, with Maduro’s Gran Stadium filling with the sound of pounding drums and a conga line snaking through the crowd, as baseball felt more like a festival than a game.—
Tyler Carmona,
Miami Herald,
11 Mar. 2026
Verb
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This year’s mantra of joy has resonated after last year’s crushing Final Four loss to Connecticut.—
Marisa Ingemi,
Los Angeles Times,
15 Mar. 2026
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Some might find that turnaround surprising, especially considering the crushing manner in which Texas (18-1, 2-1 SEC) lost Friday, giving up a two-out, go-ahead grand slam in the ninth inning before ultimately falling in extras.—
David Eckert,
Austin American Statesman,
15 Mar. 2026
Verb
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The Aggies received an automatic bid to the tournament after beating San Diego State in the Mountain West Conference tournament.—
Tom Ignudo,
CBS News,
16 Mar. 2026
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Sacramento improved to 4-9 in back-to-back situations 24 hours after beating the Los Angeles Clippers.—
Jason Anderson,
Sacbee.com,
16 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Mulling.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/mulling. Accessed 20 Mar. 2026.
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