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
  • But for all the singing and dancing at the little birthday bash, this is a melancholy occasion as well because Mariama will have to make her own way in Cyprus now with scant assistance from the state.
    — Leslie Felperin, HollywoodReporter, 16 July 2026
  • That’s a lovely, melancholy sentiment Star City uses to deliver a season-best episode full of character moments that feel properly FAM.
    — Roxana Hadadi, Vulture, 10 July 2026
Definition of melancholy
Adjective
  • The smoke that wafted into the atmosphere from the fires was filled with reflective, cloud-interacting aerosols, contributing to a brightening of low marine clouds over the southeast subtropical Pacific.
    — Doyle Rice, USA Today, 16 July 2026
  • One friend described the heroine’s journey as if the hero’s journey went to therapy—reflective and aware of context.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 15 July 2026
Definition of reflective
Adjective
  • The service The staff are polite and attentive, and will provide thoughtful touches, such as leaving birthday cakes for guests.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 16 July 2026
  • Other smart, thoughtful features are scattered throughout the Columbus Liner interior.
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 15 July 2026
Definition of thoughtful
Adjective
  • The title reflects a broader philosophical thread running through the project.
    — SPIN Staff, SPIN, 15 July 2026
  • Beyond the physical redesign, the organizers see the new presentation model as a philosophical shift.
    — Daniel Cassady, ARTnews.com, 14 July 2026
Definition of philosophical
Adjective
  • At the Signers’ Hall exhibit in Philadelphia’s National Constitution Center, the Dickinson statue is placed apart in a corner, sculpted in a contemplative pose.
    — Hillel Italie, Los Angeles Times, 3 July 2026
  • At the Signers' Hall exhibit in Philadelphia's National Constitution Center, the Dickinson statue is placed apart in a corner, sculpted in a contemplative pose.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 2 July 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 19 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on ruminant

Nglish: Translation of ruminant for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about ruminant

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