Synonyms of pensive

pensive

adjective

ˈpen(t)-siv 

as in melancholy

given to or marked by long, quiet thinking

rainy days often put her in a pensive mood

Synonyms & Similar Words

• melancholy
• thoughtful
• reflective
• contemplative
• somber
• philosophic
• meditative
• philosophical
• ruminative
• broody
• solemn
• musing
• introspective
• sombre
• ruminant
• cogitative
• serious
• logical
• analytical
• earnest
• rational
• retrospective
• preoccupied
• analytic
• self-reflective
• sedate
• sober
• serious-minded
• deliberate
• purposeful
• severe
• grave
• abstracted
• weighty
• absentminded

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• unreflective
• frivolous
• flippant
• goofy
• scatterbrained
• flighty
• thoughtless
• silly
• harebrained
• unthinking
• mindless
• brainless
• featherbrained
• light-headed

Examples of pensive in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Kara Wolter, 33, of Pinckney arrives before 7 a.m. with her team, the Sassy Swimmers, excited to swim for a good cause, but pensive remembering 14 friends who are no longer here. —Kimberly P. Mitchell, Detroit Free Press, 14 Sep. 2024

The Texas group showcased the pensive country anthem for the excited late-night crowd, offering a preview of their forthcoming LP, Barely Blue, out Sept. 20. —Emily Zemler, Rolling Stone, 12 Sep. 2024

In this pensive personal essay, Jarod K. Anderson describes a life of constant to dos and responsibilities, of debt and burnout, of aimlessness and depression. —Cheri Lucas Rowlands, Longreads, 11 Sep. 2024

The clips featured shots of Christine wiping tears and looking pensive before transitioning to happy photos of her wedding to David. —Esther Kang, Peoplemag, 9 Sep. 2024