as in melancholy
given to or marked by long, quiet thinking
rainy days often put her in a pensive mood
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
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
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
-
For Esquinas, the goal is to balance melancholy with hope.—
Callum McLennan,
Variety,
24 Sep. 2025
-
Although the play has its melancholy moments, Shakina doesn’t dwell on them.—
Pam Kragen,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
21 Sep. 2025
Adjective
-
This could be a raise, a thoughtful gift or simply learning how to value your own time more.—
Valerie Mesa,
PEOPLE,
1 Oct. 2025
-
By 1996, McLachlan had released several albums, with 1993’s thoughtful, moody Fumbling Towards Ecstasy marking a breakthrough.—
Sophie Gilbert,
The Atlantic,
30 Sep. 2025
Adjective
-
Wettig noted in an August 2009 interview with NPR that though Thirtysomething's characters were often accused of being narcissistic by critics, their self-involvement was also reflective of the time.—
Maureen Lee Lenker,
Entertainment Weekly,
29 Sep. 2025
-
Cost was reported as the most prominent barrier to care in Texas, which was reflective of a national trend showing families with private insurance face greater barriers compared with families using public programs like Medicaid, according to the survey.—
Lina Ruiz,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
29 Sep. 2025
Adjective
-
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
-
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
-
According to the tabloid site, the couple seemed more somber and tense than usual.—
Lea Veloso,
StyleCaster,
27 Sep. 2025
-
The mood on the ice and in the dressing room was somber Thursday when Barkov crumbled to the ice following a noncontact drill and had to be helped off the ice by two team staff members.—
Jordan McPherson,
Miami Herald,
27 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Pensive.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/pensive. Accessed 2 Oct. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share