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
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Recent Examples of ruminating
The musical reimagines the Greek myths while ruminating on greed, labor and love.
—
Domenica Bongiovanni, IndyStar, 25 Mar. 2026
The shooter appears to have been ruminating on the event since at least 2016, according to prosecutors at the time.
—Emma Tucker, CNN Money, 13 Mar. 2026
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
Domenica Bongiovanni, IndyStar, 25 Mar. 2026
The shooter appears to have been ruminating on the event since at least 2016, according to prosecutors at the time.
—Emma Tucker, CNN Money, 13 Mar. 2026
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
Recent Examples of Synonyms for ruminating
Verb
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But news is expected soon on the Hall of Fame KU coach, who is pondering his future after having heart problems the past few years.—
PJ Green,
Kansas City Star,
26 Mar. 2026
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As new signs of a rift emerge in Western alliances, Putin and his generals are pondering plans for the spring and summer campaign across more than the 1,200-kilometer (about 750-mile) front line.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
20 Mar. 2026
Verb
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For those who have the option, more are contemplating walking, cycling, carpooling or catching the bus or train to get some relief.—
Jessica Guynn,
USA Today,
1 Apr. 2026
-
Choosing among loud, louder and loudest shirts, then contemplating whether to go with jorts or florts (don’t ask) and selecting the appropriate socks and crocs, Black finally is ready to go until Sarah Sherman shows up to spoil things.—
Greg Evans,
Deadline,
1 Apr. 2026
Verb
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Instead of debating calls for hours, fans get a clear answer almost instantly.—
Kurt Knutsson,
FOXNews.com,
28 Mar. 2026
-
Congress would be debating mandatory water wings for airborne pups.—
Pat Beall,
Sun Sentinel,
27 Mar. 2026
Verb
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No mean feat, considering the brand’s first 24 hotels are set in remote, leafy locations that feel worlds away from real life.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
1 Apr. 2026
-
Here’s why, plus a look at other states considering the move.—
Kristin Scharkey,
USA Today,
1 Apr. 2026
Verb
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But researchers are also studying the drug’s effects on broader metabolic health, including blood sugar regulation, cholesterol levels and cardiovascular risk markers.—
Daryl Austin,
USA Today,
28 Mar. 2026
-
Learning a language, studying abroad, or simply traveling to experience something entirely unfamiliar to you.—
Kirah Tabourn,
Condé Nast Traveler,
28 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
As the city has become a year-round base, their clients—often finance and tech principals relocating from New York and California—expect homes to support work, family life, and entertaining without interruption.—
Abby Montanez,
Robb Report,
31 Mar. 2026
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An open-plan layout invites easy indoor-outdoor living and entertaining throughout the home, which boasts mountain and ocean views.—
Tracy Wright,
FOXNews.com,
28 Mar. 2026
Verb
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Meanwhile, Pattinson is like a manic roller coaster on screen, increasingly off the rails as the weight of Emma’s reveal has Charlie questioning everything and reacting badly to the situation.—
Brian Truitt,
USA Today,
31 Mar. 2026
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The leaders of the Senate committee that oversees the FCC are questioning how the agency gave approval to the Nexstar–Tegna transaction, the massive broadcast station merger that already has been paused by a federal court.—
Ted Johnson,
Deadline,
31 Mar. 2026
Verb
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Many thickening conditioners rely on silicones or heavy coatings to create the illusion of fullness, which can backfire over time by weighing hair down further.—
Miami Herald,
Miami Herald,
26 Mar. 2026
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After weighing less than 200 pounds because of gastritis, Simpson weighed 211 pounds at the combine and has been completely healthy during the pre-draft process.—
Antwan Staley,
New York Daily News,
26 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Ruminating.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/ruminating. Accessed 3 Apr. 2026.
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