ruminant

adjective

Definition of ruminantnext
as in melancholy
given to or marked by long, quiet thinking I wandered around campus all day in a ruminant mood

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of Synonyms for ruminant
  1. melancholy
  2. reflective
  3. thoughtful
  4. philosophical
  5. contemplative
Adjective
  • Madeleine is beautiful and melancholy, spending hours driving around San Francisco and contemplating a painting that seems to haunt her.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 28 Oct. 2026
  • Gentling the Horse’s absurdist humor and breakneck tempos signify a sharp break from 2023’s melancholy The Art of Forgetting.
    — Zach Schonfeld, Pitchfork, 26 Oct. 2026
Definition of melancholy
Adjective
  • If a dog does come trick-or-treating, he or she should be kept on a short leash and outfitted in some reflective gear, and owners should be aware of their surroundings.
    — Adam Harrington, CBS News, 28 Oct. 2026
  • Photographed by Mert Alas, the campaign captures Shayk in the warmth of golden hour, illuminated by reflective light.
    — Lisa Lockwood, Footwear News, 28 Oct. 2026
Definition of reflective
Adjective
  • Amenities and experiences Dublin’s literary heritage, inspired by the likes of Oscar Wilde, seeps through the walls of The Wilder Townhouse and is reflected in thoughtful details throughout the entire experience.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 28 Oct. 2026
  • Eddie Pepperell, among the most thoughtful players, missed the cut last week in South Korea and wound up one spot out of a full European tour card for 2027.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 27 Oct. 2026
Definition of thoughtful
Adjective
  • The weather rewrites your shooting schedule every morning, and there’s an almost philosophical lesson in learning to accept that without giving up.
    — Rafa Sales Ross, Variety, 27 Oct. 2026
  • The economist was infamous in London’s philosophical circles for arguing fervently—and, many thought, heartlessly—against poor relief.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 26 Oct. 2026
Definition of philosophical
Adjective
  • Hans Op de Beeck’s first dalliance with a luxury house feels a lot like his art — hushed, contemplative, and slightly under the radar.
    — Miles Socha, Footwear News, 24 Oct. 2026
  • Her perspective—consistently serene and largely without self-interest—lends the novel a restrained and gently contemplative tone.
    — Natasha O'Neill, Vanity Fair, 22 Oct. 2026
Definition of contemplative
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.

Browse Nearby Words

rumbustiousness
ruminant
ruminate
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Cite this Entry

“Ruminant.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/ruminant. Accessed 2 Nov. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on ruminant

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about ruminant

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