as in pondering
to give serious and careful thought to
the minister hoped that the congregation would spend the remainder of the week ruminating the message of his sermon
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 ruminating
If your friend or family member is struggling to keep up with daily responsibilities, constantly ruminating about relationship issues, or expressing a sense of hopelessness, consider bringing it up, says Francesca Emma, a therapist in New York.
—
Angela Haupt, Time, 24 Feb. 2026
Instead of ruminating in your head, Burns suggests writing things down so your mind can unwind.
—Caroline Lubinsky, Martha Stewart, 16 Feb. 2026
Slone has a much softer and more plaintive voice and, judging from his finely wrought songs, a tendency to contend with heartbreak not by going out and raging but by staying in and ruminating.
—Kelefa Sanneh, New Yorker, 15 Jan. 2026
For instance, research finds that walking in nature results in diminished activation in the area of the brain associated with sadness and ruminating thoughts.
—Stacy Shaw, Fortune, 26 Dec. 2025
For instance, research finds that walking in nature results in diminished activation in the area of the brain associated with sadness and ruminating thoughts.
—Stacy Shaw, The Conversation, 18 Dec. 2025
Hurzeler, hands in pockets, was ruminating.
—Liam Tharme, New York Times, 10 Nov. 2025
Now, in his late-middle age, a much more flexible Linklater is ruminating on other notorious artists.
—David Sims, The Atlantic, 4 Nov. 2025
A lot of it is simple, disciplined, ruminating in a way that won’t surprise anyone aware of his work with The National.
—Sarah Shachat, IndieWire, 30 Oct. 2025
Angela Haupt, Time, 24 Feb. 2026
Instead of ruminating in your head, Burns suggests writing things down so your mind can unwind.
—Caroline Lubinsky, Martha Stewart, 16 Feb. 2026
Slone has a much softer and more plaintive voice and, judging from his finely wrought songs, a tendency to contend with heartbreak not by going out and raging but by staying in and ruminating.
—Kelefa Sanneh, New Yorker, 15 Jan. 2026
For instance, research finds that walking in nature results in diminished activation in the area of the brain associated with sadness and ruminating thoughts.
—Stacy Shaw, Fortune, 26 Dec. 2025
For instance, research finds that walking in nature results in diminished activation in the area of the brain associated with sadness and ruminating thoughts.
—Stacy Shaw, The Conversation, 18 Dec. 2025
Hurzeler, hands in pockets, was ruminating.
—Liam Tharme, New York Times, 10 Nov. 2025
Now, in his late-middle age, a much more flexible Linklater is ruminating on other notorious artists.
—David Sims, The Atlantic, 4 Nov. 2025
A lot of it is simple, disciplined, ruminating in a way that won’t surprise anyone aware of his work with The National.
—Sarah Shachat, IndieWire, 30 Oct. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for ruminating
Verb
-
The many years spent pondering and preparing for a potential attack on Iran are the reason that the first days of the war were, for the most part, a bravura display of American power.—
Franklin Foer,
The Atlantic,
11 Mar. 2026
-
Anderson has been pondering it for a while.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
5 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
By honestly and realistically contemplating these answers and by speaking with a financial advisor or gold investing company representative, investors can tailor their gold approach to one that meets their needs and goals both this month and in the months that follow.—
Matt Richardson,
CBS News,
10 Mar. 2026
-
While Parayko was in Seattle with the team on Wednesday night, still contemplating his decision, Armstrong ordered a thorough examination of his staff’s phone, text and email records.—
Jeremy Rutherford,
New York Times,
7 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
To think that some Filipinos were forever debating her looks!—
Han Ong,
New Yorker,
15 Mar. 2026
-
Instead of openly debating and learning from experts or one another, students often remain on the defensive.—
Gili Malinsky,
CNBC,
13 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
In an effort to allay whipsawing energy markets, Western powers are considering an International Energy Agency proposal for the largest-ever release of oil reserves.—
Prashant Rao,
semafor.com,
11 Mar. 2026
-
As a result, Chandra is good for a lot of things, but its limitations matter when considering those big questions above.—
Big Think,
Big Think,
11 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
Mainly the library, studying hundreds and thousands of celebrities and public figures.—
Georg Szalai,
HollywoodReporter,
13 Mar. 2026
-
The alignment and studying what some of the programs are doing around us, especially peer programs, the level of investment.—
Colleen Kane,
Chicago Tribune,
13 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
At this point, his mother isn’t entertaining any other outcome.—
Lia Assimakopoulos,
Dallas Morning News,
9 Mar. 2026
-
Barker explains that this could be because people are returning to entertaining at home and building comfortable, welcoming spaces.—
Heather Bien,
Southern Living,
9 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
Ted Mesiacos, 3rd Ward, voted against the program after similarly questioning why the city was starting its own when the state already had a similar initiative.—
R. Christian Smith,
Chicago Tribune,
10 Mar. 2026
-
Older siblings or classmates might drop hints that leave children questioning what to believe during their Easter egg hunt.—
Melissa Willets,
Parents,
9 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
Heavy thickening products can backfire by weighing strands down and making hair appear flatter.—
Allison Palmer,
Kansas City Star,
12 Mar. 2026
-
The question weighing over this year's critical midterm elections is whether the president's backing is a help or hindrance.—
Dana Taylor,
USA Today,
12 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Ruminating.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/ruminating. Accessed 16 Mar. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
