as in melancholy
given to or marked by long, quiet thinking
rainy days often put her in a pensive mood
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of pensive
Another shot included here shows a more pensive Marilyn on set, waiting to spring to life.
—
Stephanie Zacharek, Time, 1 June 2026
Ava takes herself for a pensive solo walk in comically wide pants.
—Jessica M. Goldstein, Vulture, 29 May 2026
With stories focused on surviving rowdy family, moments of loneliness, struggles with faith, and navigating our deepest human relationships, Johnson’s abilities as a pensive storyteller are conducted masterfully.
—Tribune News Service, Baltimore Sun, 22 May 2026
Historically, Rostam solo albums are full of pensive and personal moments—reflections on life while taking long walks, weighing conflicted emotions while lounging in bed—and this one is no exception.
—Molly Mary O’Brien, Pitchfork, 15 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for pensive
Stephanie Zacharek, Time, 1 June 2026
Ava takes herself for a pensive solo walk in comically wide pants.
—Jessica M. Goldstein, Vulture, 29 May 2026
With stories focused on surviving rowdy family, moments of loneliness, struggles with faith, and navigating our deepest human relationships, Johnson’s abilities as a pensive storyteller are conducted masterfully.
—Tribune News Service, Baltimore Sun, 22 May 2026
Historically, Rostam solo albums are full of pensive and personal moments—reflections on life while taking long walks, weighing conflicted emotions while lounging in bed—and this one is no exception.
—Molly Mary O’Brien, Pitchfork, 15 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for pensive
Recent Examples of Synonyms for pensive
Adjective
-
The play can create some real melancholy.—
Jason P. Frank,
Vulture,
18 June 2026
-
Americans are in a melancholy mood as the nation prepares to mark its 250th anniversary.—
Marc Ramirez,
USA Today,
17 June 2026
Adjective
-
Create an agenda that names who does what, and map the route so your thoughtful plan serves the group together.—
Tarot.com,
The Orlando Sentinel,
21 June 2026
-
Over the years, Lucas and his wife have transformed the space from a simple above-ground pool into a backyard destination complete with thoughtful upgrades and finishing touches.—
Tereza Shkurtaj,
PEOPLE,
20 June 2026
Adjective
-
Despite setbacks, Trout remains a superstar, but his comments about Philly appear more reflective than predictive of a move.—
Peter Chawaga,
Forbes.com,
20 June 2026
-
The officers, wearing reflective vests, were outside their patrol cars, which were set in place with flashing lights to detour motorists, police said.—
Lisa Gutierrez,
Kansas City Star,
19 June 2026
Adjective
-
The music from the Los Angeles alternative/space-rock trio remains cinematic, deeply melodic, contemplative, and filled with darkness.—
Steve Appleford,
SPIN,
16 June 2026
-
Meanwhile, many in the neighborhood will see this as a beautiful place to take a contemplative stroll or sit and read a book in the sun or sled in the snow.—
The Editorial Board,
Chicago Tribune,
14 June 2026
Adjective
-
The feeling inside the house is quiet and somber.—
Kelsie Cairns,
FOXNews.com,
18 June 2026
-
Typical of Vandenberg weather, a marine layer of low clouds and fog added a somber look to the scene.—
Robert Pearlman,
ArsTechnica,
17 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Pensive.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/pensive. Accessed 25 Jun. 2026.
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