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
  • Blending dry Finnish humour with melancholy and unexpected warmth, ATLANTIS PASILA turns its distinctly local setting into an intimate portrait of a generation searching for connection.
    — Jesse Whittock, Deadline, 11 Aug. 2026
  • Everything is infused with melancholy, the unfailing indicator of the fundamental rift between humans and their natural environment.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 11 Aug. 2026
Definition of melancholy
Adjective
  • As the perfumery acknowledges, these collaborations allow the brand to gain exposure in other creative spheres while also creating a product that is reflective of both specialties.
    — Robb Report Studio, Robb Report, 15 Aug. 2026
  • The evolution of Waubonsee, all three leaders insist, is reflective of the community itself.
    — Denise Crosby, Chicago Tribune, 14 Aug. 2026
Definition of reflective
Adjective
  • Founded in 2009, the group has bloomed into a small empire—we’re talking nearly 70 of the South’s favorite restaurants, hotels, bars, and cafes, plus another dozen or so in development—with thoughtful intention.
    — Colleen McNally Arnett, Southern Living, 20 Aug. 2026
  • This means clear standards, thoughtful planning and investment in new energy generation and transmission.
    — Frances Townsend, New York Daily News, 20 Aug. 2026
Definition of thoughtful
Adjective
  • The story explains the philosophical shift in more detail, but new offensive coordinator Sean Mannion is basically trying to get time back on their side and be the aggressor.
    — Brooks Kubena, New York Times, 15 Aug. 2026
  • The philosophical qualities that define Lindelof’s best work, as well as his stories’ exhilarating strangeness, get lost in the jumble of voices.
    — Judy Berman, Time, 14 Aug. 2026
Definition of philosophical
Adjective
  • Pilgrims walk between temples, rest in historic ryokan and keep to contemplative daily rituals that discourage mass, high-speed tourism.
    — Christopher Elliott, Forbes.com, 16 Aug. 2026
  • The pacing feels off throughout much of the film, with comic and contemplative asides gumming up the central caper.
    — Alison Foreman, IndieWire, 12 Aug. 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 21 Aug. 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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