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 two are fond but sick of each other, at times bickering with real melancholy and malice.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 2 Nov. 2026
  • Harry still has some of that sparkle, but it’s tempered by melancholy, the aftermath of little mistakes and big ones he’s made along the way.
    — Stephanie Zacharek, Time, 30 Oct. 2026
Definition of melancholy
Noun
  • Three Fitness Villages—at Kite Beach, Zabeel Park and Al Warqa’a—act as free, all-day wellness hubs offering everything from boxing and beach volleyball to spin classes and meditation.
    — Scott Campbell, Condé Nast Traveler, 6 Nov. 2026
  • The private wing, meanwhile, offers two guest bedrooms and a secluded primary suite featuring a bath adorned with a playful arrangement of polished chrome, bubble-like circular wall mirrors of varying sizes, plus a meditation garden with a hot tub.
    — Wendy Bowman, Robb Report, 6 Nov. 2026
Definition of meditation
Verb
  • Plenty of others, namely frustrated fans, are pondering the other stuff for him.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 2 Nov. 2026
  • This can be especially uncomfortable when the prevailing narrative holds its own special significance, but pondering such complexities strengthens our minds and our spirits.
    — AJ Willingham, AJC.com, 2 Nov. 2026
Definition of pondering
Adjective
  • Presentation is key Welcome guests to your Friendsgiving with a thoughtful and beautifully decorated Thanksgiving table.
    — BestReviews, Chicago Tribune, 10 Nov. 2026
  • The compact pouch is designed to hold small essentials against your body, and its soft, breathable, skin-friendly fabric is a thoughtful detail for warmer destinations where extra layers aren’t practical.
    — Rosie Marder, Travel + Leisure, 8 Nov. 2026
Definition of thoughtful
Noun
  • The art was selected as counterpoint to the essays, another means to draw the reader into reflection and contemplation.
    — Paula L. Woods, Los Angeles Times, 6 Nov. 2026
  • Some walked hundreds of kilometers to establish places of worship far from the comforts of the world, spending years in prayer and contemplation before eventually being buried here.
    — Avantika Chaturvedi, Architectural Digest, 5 Nov. 2026
Definition of contemplation
Verb
  • Alessandro Michele had been ruminating on a concept put forth in the book Black Swan.
    — Laird Borrelli-Persson, Vogue, 4 Nov. 2026
  • 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
Definition of ruminating
Adjective
  • While reminiscing during the July reunion, a reflective Epstein described feeling liberated after the Cubs returned from Cleveland with the World Series trophy in hand.
    — Meghan Montemurro, Chicago Tribune, 2 Nov. 2026
  • The experiment described, which intentionally seeks to elicit a particular response, is not representative of how most voters use ChatGPT or reflective of their experience.
    — Katie McQue, NPR, 2 Nov. 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 11 Nov. 2026.

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