musing 1 of 3

adjective

Definition of musingnext
as in melancholy
given to or marked by long, quiet thinking he was clearly in a musing mood, and did not feel like talking just then

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

musing

2 of 3

noun

as in meditation

Related Words

musing

3 of 3

verb

present participle of muse
as in pondering

Related Words

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 musing
Noun
Click here to get the full edition in your inbox, including bonus musings on trends and recommendations for the weekend. — Will Leitch, Washington Post, 9 July 2026 In a former life, this appliance may have doubled as tools used in his prior trade; however, the rapper—whose reputation for serving up hearty helpings of clever musings on the drug trade precedes him—remains intent on feeding the streets. — Preezy Brown, VIBE.com, 17 June 2026 Warsh’s musings on international finance so far would likely do little to inspire confidence among purists. — Tristan Bove, Fortune, 16 June 2026 Some of the dialogue feels like Harrison’s own metaphysical musings rather than characters’ speech. — Literary Hub, 11 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for musing
Recent Examples of Synonyms for musing
  1. melancholy
  2. meditation
  3. pondering
  4. thoughtful
  5. contemplation
  6. ruminating
  7. reflective
  8. reverie
Adjective
  • The contrasts between the two tales are never drastic; the gradations are sometimes as fine as those between warm and cool melancholy.
    — Guy Lodge, Variety, 14 Oct. 2026
  • Mackenzie Crook’s meditative and melancholy comedy is about a man whose life has been on pause since his girlfriend’s disappearance, leading him to use alchemy to get answers.
    — Robert Lloyd, Los Angeles Times, 7 Oct. 2026
Definition of melancholy
Noun
  • Perfect Road, a documentary from Danish directors and cousins Adam and Christian Bonke, follows him on an extreme journey through some of Europe’s highest mountain passes, while also providing a meditation on modern life and character study.
    — Georg Szalai, HollywoodReporter, 17 Oct. 2026
  • While others find peace through meditation and community dinners, Gibbs finds it through the brigade.
    — Noah Haggerty, Los Angeles Times, 17 Oct. 2026
Definition of meditation
Verb
  • Newsom, who is pondering a 2028 presidential campaign, and the two men vying to replace him — Democrat Xavier Becerra and Republican Steve Hilton — oppose it.
    — Seema Mehta, Los Angeles Times, 25 Sep. 2026
  • In the stands, fans murmured beneath their breath, wondering what new math the Kiffin’s successor could be pondering.
    — Dana O’Neil, CNN Money, 20 Sep. 2026
Definition of pondering
Adjective
  • Combined with plush cushioning, these thoughtful details make Bombas socks stand out from the average pair.
    — Katie Decker-Jacoby, StyleCaster, 13 Oct. 2026
  • Weiss, now 69, is widely viewed as a smart and thoughtful straight shooter, skilled at solving organizational problems.
    — Hilarie M. Sheets, ARTnews.com, 13 Oct. 2026
Definition of thoughtful
Noun
  • Walking and talking with an AI fellow pilgrim Which brings me back to the Kumano Kodo in Japan, where contemplation is a key element of the traditional experience.
    — Shay Rabineau, The Conversation, 8 Oct. 2026
  • She was accepted into the convent at the age of 36, and led a life of prayer and contemplation.
    — Adam Harrington, CBS News, 6 Oct. 2026
Definition of contemplation
Verb
  • So, Otto sits at the end of the counter, ruminating on the past weeks, then downs his glass of Gordon’s.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 4 Sep. 2026
  • Yet there was Devers, ruminating as if the fate of the Giants’ (57-82) season rested on this Tuesday night in Pittsburgh.
    — Justice delos Santos, Mercury News, 2 Sep. 2026
Definition of ruminating
Adjective
  • On the other hand, many of these works are reflective of the time they were written.
    — New York Times, New York Times, 15 Oct. 2026
  • While prefering Goldman over Morgan Stanley , Jim doesn't think the 3% drop in MS is reflective of its business performance.
    — Kevin Stankiewicz, CNBC, 14 Oct. 2026
Definition of reflective
Noun
  • These rosy reveries gradually darken as Wilde remembers succumbing to hedonism, deceit, debt, and disgrace.
    — Hannah Aizenman, New Yorker, 10 Oct. 2026
  • In a place filled with people confronting the challenge of rebuilding their lives, the lyrics of one particular song were a reverie.
    — Steve Lopez, Los Angeles Times, 3 Oct. 2026
Definition of reverie

Browse Nearby Words

musicians
musing
musing (over)
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Cite this Entry

“Musing.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/musing. Accessed 19 Oct. 2026.

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