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
  • Viard describes the melancholy of her post-Chanel life in detail, describing herself as a ghost, haunted by the presence of Lagerfeld’s memory.
    — Olivier Bouchara, Vanity Fair, 30 Sep. 2026
  • The fading studio carries a note of melancholy about the state of the film industry as AI advances.
    — Jenny S. Li, Variety, 29 Sep. 2026
Definition of melancholy
Adjective
  • The service Enthusiastic, thoughtful, and caring, the service here is warm and heartfelt.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 6 Oct. 2026
  • As Toby Ziegler and Josiah Bartlett could tell you, the only way to change is the world is with a small group of thoughtful and committed citizens.
    — Steven Zeitchik, HollywoodReporter, 5 Oct. 2026
Definition of thoughtful
Adjective
  • This in-shower treatment smooths the cuticle for reflective, glass-like shine, leaving strands softer, silkier, and ultra-glossy in just one minute.
    — Madison San Miguel, Allure, 6 Oct. 2026
  • De Baise explained that this is reflective of a popular footwear trend of the ’90s, a decade Vaccarello is widely known to be aesthetically attached to.
    — Jaden Thompson, Footwear News, 5 Oct. 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
  • Elderly couples surrounded us in somber ceremony, each of them in seats clustered close to one another, some holding hands, their fingers dusted in crumb cake.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 30 Sep. 2026
  • 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
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 8 Oct. 2026.

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