as in melancholy
given to or marked by long, quiet thinking
rainy days often put her in a pensive mood
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of pensive
If the position happens to be software programmer, then your quieter, more focused, pensive side needs to come through.
—
Phil Blair, San Diego Union-Tribune, 21 July 2025
In such an intimate, pensive atmosphere, characters emerge gradually out of the rugged landscape like windswept trees or weathered stones.
—Tim Grierson, Los Angeles Times, 19 June 2025
His subtle direction also basks in critical moments of silence: a smoke break outside the classroom, the frustrated focus during an exam, and the pensive, haunting opening and closing image of Marjan looking out through semi-transparent curtains.
—Christian Lewis, Variety, 24 Jan. 2025
The fragrance’s marine notes set a new olfactive trend, and its campaign fronted by a pensive Larry Paul Scott became iconic.
—Jennifer Weil, Footwear News, 3 Sep. 2019
See All Example Sentences for pensive
Phil Blair, San Diego Union-Tribune, 21 July 2025
In such an intimate, pensive atmosphere, characters emerge gradually out of the rugged landscape like windswept trees or weathered stones.
—Tim Grierson, Los Angeles Times, 19 June 2025
His subtle direction also basks in critical moments of silence: a smoke break outside the classroom, the frustrated focus during an exam, and the pensive, haunting opening and closing image of Marjan looking out through semi-transparent curtains.
—Christian Lewis, Variety, 24 Jan. 2025
The fragrance’s marine notes set a new olfactive trend, and its campaign fronted by a pensive Larry Paul Scott became iconic.
—Jennifer Weil, Footwear News, 3 Sep. 2019
See All Example Sentences for pensive
Recent Examples of Synonyms for pensive
Adjective
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Following the black-and-white aesthetics and melancholy lyricism of TTPD, the high saturation and sparkles associated with Showgirl — which is comprised of flashy pop bangers — feel even more vibrant.—
Hannah Dailey,
Billboard,
3 Oct. 2025
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The pop icon’s 12th album, released at midnight on Friday, is being hailed for the singer’s return to upbeat pop following last year’s melancholy The Tortured Poets Department, with Swift reuniting with Swedish hitmaker producers Max Martin and Shellback.—
James Hibberd,
HollywoodReporter,
3 Oct. 2025
Adjective
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Score our favorite new finds, including a brilliantly fun garlic peeler, a thoughtful batter dispenser for pancakes, baked goods, and more, and a genius two-in-one flipper spatula.—
Alicia Geigel,
Southern Living,
8 Oct. 2025
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In the real world, this could look like strengthening a partnership through thoughtful gestures, receiving a windfall of support from family or finding joy in everyday rituals that suddenly feel sacred.—
Valerie Mesa,
PEOPLE,
8 Oct. 2025
Adjective
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His reflective blue shades were perched atop a baseball cap, obscuring much of his face.—
Anna Kaufman,
USA Today,
6 Oct. 2025
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The pride in Plough’s expressions and the tone of his voice was reflective of the theme that every victory is to be savored in this rough-and-tumble sport, one in which no one weeps for the wounded.—
Joe Davidson,
Sacbee.com,
5 Oct. 2025
Adjective
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Becerra, known for exploring themes of social and familial rupture—draws on his own teenage experiences to craft a raw, contemplative portrait of youth on the edge.—
Anna Marie de la Fuente,
Variety,
24 Sep. 2025
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Cam, who grieves his father throughout the film, allowed Withers to show that even the toughest men in the world have their contemplative moments.—
Andre Gee,
Rolling Stone,
18 Sep. 2025
Adjective
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The cards show your heart has been waking back up from a deep and somber slumber to finally roar more loudly than ever in July.—
Meghan Rose,
Glamour,
1 Oct. 2025
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According to the tabloid site, the couple seemed more somber and tense than usual.—
Lea Veloso,
StyleCaster,
27 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Pensive.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/pensive. Accessed 9 Oct. 2025.
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