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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
  • The four romances are bittersweet, about love that is marked by melancholy, ends too soon, or never got a chance to begin.
    — James Folta, Literary Hub, 23 Sep. 2026
  • Here, though, the melancholy sinks in, especially when O’Flynn’s parents (Marion Bailey and Paul Jesson) are concerned.
    — Joe Reid, Vulture, 21 Sep. 2026
Definition of melancholy
Adjective
  • Patrick is a mix of stately confidence and thoughtful inquiry.
    — Kyle Maclachlan, HollywoodReporter, 29 Sep. 2026
  • And there’s a useful distinction between dressing down to make someone else comfortable and being thoughtful about the signals your clothes send.
    — Morgan Sullivan, Glamour, 29 Sep. 2026
Definition of thoughtful
Adjective
  • Mercury in your sign opposes Chiron in your partnership zone, making close relationships unusually reflective today.
    — Tarot.com, Baltimore Sun, 29 Sep. 2026
  • Advice still needs to be reflective of the client’s data, commercial objectives, sector conditions and risk appetite.
    — Bas Kniphorst, Forbes.com, 29 Sep. 2026
Definition of reflective
Adjective
  • Her honeyed vocals are a powerful pairing for this track’s lilting, contemplative production.
    — Lyndsey Havens, Billboard, 25 Sep. 2026
  • 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
Definition of contemplative
Adjective
  • Many social media users suggested Pearman may have missed the point of the somber experience of visiting a living memorial where one of history’s greatest atrocities occurred.
    — Brian Niemietz, New York Daily News, 25 Sep. 2026
  • On Thursday, members of The Times editorial staff gathered to celebrate Swed, but the mood was somewhat somber.
    — Jessica Gelt, Los Angeles Times, 25 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 1 Oct. 2026.

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