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pensive

adjective

ˈpen(t)-siv How to pronounce pensive (audio)
Definition of pensivenext
as in melancholy
given to or marked by long, quiet thinking rainy days often put her in a pensive mood

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 pensive Or the pensive Thomas Jefferson standing in the dome across the way? — Matt Viser, The Atlantic, 2 Aug. 2026 The pensive, prettier songs do not always play to his strengths. — Jazz Monroe, Pitchfork, 30 July 2026 John Malkovich looks pensive ahead of his guest appearance in Report on the Blind at the Royal Swedish Opera in Stockholm, Sweden on June 22. — Brendan Le, PEOPLE, 25 June 2026 For Waititi, the film has lots of comedic parts while retaining the pensive beauty of the original text. — Rebecca Ford, Vanity Fair, 18 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for pensive
Recent Examples of Synonyms for pensive
  1. melancholy
  2. thoughtful
  3. reflective
  4. contemplative
  5. somber
Adjective
  • There is romance and melancholy, playfulness and despair, all happening at once.
    — PhotoVogue, Vogue, 17 Sep. 2026
  • That O’Flynn’s newfound fame has coincided with her starring role in this gentle, melancholy wonder of a movie is a fitting, if unplanned, convergence.
    — Alison Willmore, Vulture, 11 Sep. 2026
Definition of melancholy
Adjective
  • Built from water-resistant, 100% cotton Ventile cloth, its classic design benefits from the thoughtful touch of adjustable side adjusters.
    — Eric Twardzik, Robb Report, 21 Sep. 2026
  • Good Zero-Proof Drinks Require More Ingredients, More Time Not only is there more time and labor often involved with these very thoughtful beverages, but raw material costs add up.
    — Esther Tseng, Bon Appetit Magazine, 21 Sep. 2026
Definition of thoughtful
Adjective
  • This is balanced with white branding hits, while the Air Max 95’s signature reflective tongue and heel hits remain.
    — Riley Jones, Footwear News, 23 Sep. 2026
  • All parents struggle in some way to adjust to life as empty nesters, but Charlie leaves his mom and dad in a somber, reflective state that casts a heavy pall over an episode that drifts toward the turgid.
    — Scott Tobias, Vulture, 18 Sep. 2026
Definition of reflective
Adjective
  • And in Walworth County, travelers will find more of that contemplative, fall experience, according to Emma Lowecki, director of guest experience at The Belfry House.
    — Stacey Leasca, Travel + Leisure, 14 Sep. 2026
  • Fernández’s adaptation is anxious to turn tragedy into a sermon, offering theatergoers moral solace where Sophocles leaves his audience in a contemplative state of stunned silence.
    — Theater Critic, Los Angeles Times, 11 Sep. 2026
Definition of contemplative
Adjective
  • All parents struggle in some way to adjust to life as empty nesters, but Charlie leaves his mom and dad in a somber, reflective state that casts a heavy pall over an episode that drifts toward the turgid.
    — Scott Tobias, Vulture, 18 Sep. 2026
  • The clubhouse was somewhat somber Friday afternoon, with players still feeling shaken up after witnessing one of the scariest collisions many had ever seen on a baseball field.
    — Abbey Mastracco, New York Daily News, 18 Sep. 2026
Definition of somber

Browse Nearby Words

pensions
pensive
penstock
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Pensive.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/pensive. Accessed 24 Sep. 2026.

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