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 This summer’s take on beachy perfumes encapsulates the calming, pensive, and healing nature of the seashore. — Kara Jillian Brown, InStyle, 3 June 2026 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 See All Example Sentences for pensive
Recent Examples of Synonyms for pensive
  1. melancholy
  2. thoughtful
  3. reflective
  4. contemplative
  5. somber
Adjective
  • But for all the singing and dancing at the little birthday bash, this is a melancholy occasion as well because Mariama will have to make her own way in Cyprus now with scant assistance from the state.
    — Leslie Felperin, HollywoodReporter, 16 July 2026
  • That’s a lovely, melancholy sentiment Star City uses to deliver a season-best episode full of character moments that feel properly FAM.
    — Roxana Hadadi, Vulture, 10 July 2026
Definition of melancholy
Adjective
  • The service The staff are polite and attentive, and will provide thoughtful touches, such as leaving birthday cakes for guests.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 16 July 2026
  • Other smart, thoughtful features are scattered throughout the Columbus Liner interior.
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 15 July 2026
Definition of thoughtful
Adjective
  • The smoke that wafted into the atmosphere from the fires was filled with reflective, cloud-interacting aerosols, contributing to a brightening of low marine clouds over the southeast subtropical Pacific.
    — Doyle Rice, USA Today, 16 July 2026
  • One friend described the heroine’s journey as if the hero’s journey went to therapy—reflective and aware of context.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 15 July 2026
Definition of reflective
Adjective
  • In a statement, LACMA director and CEO Michael Govan connected Celmins’s blend of realism and imagination with Villeneuve’s contemplative and cerebral films.
    — Leigh Anne Miller, ARTnews.com, 15 July 2026
  • Because the number of trekkers permitted each day is capped, the trail retains a quieter, more contemplative feel than many marquee routes.
    — Hanna Wickes, Miami Herald, 10 July 2026
Definition of contemplative
Adjective
  • The contrast of Mariama’s experience makes Stella’s life look practically as somber and sordid as a film noir, where no one can be trusted and tragedy lurks from all sides.
    — Elena Lazic, Variety, 15 July 2026
  • This somber Australian chiller, done in an exceptionally authentic faux-doc style, follows a family trying to piece together unexplainable supernatural events in the aftermath of their daughter’s tragic, seemingly accidental death.
    — Declan Gallagher, Entertainment Weekly, 7 July 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 23 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on pensive

Nglish: Translation of pensive for Spanish Speakers

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