as in melancholy
given to or marked by long, quiet thinking
rainy days often put her in a pensive mood
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of pensive
While she's drawn toward mindful and pensive reads, the former Today host appreciates some powerful fiction as well.
—
Rachel Raposas, PEOPLE, 23 Sep. 2025
After the orchestra launches in with a full flaring sound, the cello takes the lead on a sweet, almost pensive solo.
—Sheila Regan, Twin Cities, 13 Sep. 2025
The video begins with Grint's pensive walk home from prison after serving time for stalking, and images of Sheeran flood his memory and sight.
—Rachel Raposas, People.com, 11 Aug. 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
Rachel Raposas, PEOPLE, 23 Sep. 2025
After the orchestra launches in with a full flaring sound, the cello takes the lead on a sweet, almost pensive solo.
—Sheila Regan, Twin Cities, 13 Sep. 2025
The video begins with Grint's pensive walk home from prison after serving time for stalking, and images of Sheeran flood his memory and sight.
—Rachel Raposas, People.com, 11 Aug. 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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The melancholy truth is that things have sunk into a morass of demoralization and low standards, with journalism inhabiting the poverty sector among the disciplines, and this at a time when communications nationally and internationally have reached an apex of urgency and complexity.—
David Wingrave,
Harpers Magazine,
24 Oct. 2025
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The soundscape’s melancholy unease conveys a sense of people persisting against the chaos of the world.—
Bilge Ebiri,
Vulture,
23 Oct. 2025
Adjective
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While Wohl’s script is packed to the brim with thoughtful moments of beauty, comedy, and heartbreak, Liberation wouldn’t be nearly as affecting and, sadly, relatable without its stellar cast.—
Emlyn Travis,
Entertainment Weekly,
29 Oct. 2025
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The film tells a quietly amusing story that offers a more-than-realistic dive into one of the most iconic and thoughtful young men in world history – a man who essentially invented modern angst long before the internet existed.—
Zac Ntim,
Deadline,
29 Oct. 2025
Adjective
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Manicurist Brittney Boyce, Fox's go-to nail artist, mimicked that deep red color on the star's nails—with a modern, reflective cats-eye texture.—
Kara Nesvig,
Allure,
27 Oct. 2025
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Adding reflective tape to costumes or bags, wearing bright colors and carrying a flashlight or glow stick can help drivers see trick-or-treaters.—
Katia Hetter,
CNN Money,
24 Oct. 2025
Adjective
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Immersing yourself in a Japanese onsen is an extraordinary experience, equal parts spiritual and physical; the ritual of bathing is contemplative rather than merely functional.—
Mark Ellwood,
AFAR Media,
20 Oct. 2025
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The result, then, is something more contemplative and atmospheric, due in small part to a dizzying and deeply affecting score by Ken Wannberg.—
Randall Colburn,
Entertainment Weekly,
18 Oct. 2025
Adjective
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Nuno’s sombre facial expression did little to mask his dread over the club’s plight.—
Roshane Thomas,
New York Times,
25 Oct. 2025
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Sixty-two years after that somber swearing-in, the central figures who were on board Air Force One have passed away, among them Johnson, his wife, Lady Bird, Jackie Kennedy and Hughes.—
Susan Page,
USA Today,
25 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Pensive.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/pensive. Accessed 31 Oct. 2025.
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