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
What’s also deceptively passive: the book’s title, particularly that ellipsis, which suggests a pensive ambiguity, maybe even ambivalence.
—
Anna Holmes, The Atlantic, 26 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
Anna Holmes, The Atlantic, 26 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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Johnson, Evans and Pascal – and while certainly thoughtful, the film's strengths are upended by a mood-murdering melancholy.—
Saman Shafiq,
USA Today,
6 Nov. 2025
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The day of the hearing, Vande Kolk climbed into his truck and headed home, feeling melancholy.—
Jamie Thompson,
The Atlantic,
6 Nov. 2025
Adjective
-
The guest experience is elevated by thoughtful details such as sunset happy hours and chocolate carts.—
Taylor McIntyre,
Travel + Leisure,
5 Nov. 2025
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But some more thoughtful objections — see journalist Van Lathan’s October appearance on The Ringer podcast The Big Picture — take issue with the ways in which Perfidia is sexualized by two white men, DiCaprio and Sean Penn’s characters, the latter a neo-Nazi.—
Mikey O'Connell,
HollywoodReporter,
5 Nov. 2025
Adjective
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Dach was feeling reflective after the game Saturday.—
Arpon Basu,
New York Times,
10 Nov. 2025
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Pedestrians and cyclists should wear bright or reflective clothing to increase the chances of being seen by others in poor visibility conditions.—
CA Weather Bot,
Sacbee.com,
10 Nov. 2025
Adjective
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The town is a different place during the colder months – sometimes gloomy and overcast, other times brilliantly sunny, but typically quiet, even contemplative.—
Jonathan Shikes,
Denver Post,
27 Oct. 2025
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Those seeking a more contemplative experience might book a spot at the historic Self-Realization Fellowship Lake Shrine for a meditation session in the serene gardens, a Hollywood favorite since its unveiling in 1950.—
AFAR Media,
AFAR Media,
25 Oct. 2025
Adjective
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With so many comedy writers on the bill, the Broder tribute was no somber affair.—
Cynthia Littleton,
Variety,
9 Nov. 2025
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As is tradition, all the women were dressed in black ensembles to mark the somber occasion, which commemorates members of the military from Britain and the Commonwealth who have died in battle.—
Meredith Kile,
PEOPLE,
9 Nov. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Pensive.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/pensive. Accessed 13 Nov. 2025.
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