as in melancholy
given to or marked by long, quiet thinking
a ruminative man, who contributed to discussions only after he had completely thought things through
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Recent Examples of ruminative
The joke, delivered in Jay’s ruminative style, plays well.
—
Hershal Pandya, Vulture, 22 Aug. 2025
Hershal Pandya, Vulture, 22 Aug. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for ruminative
Adjective
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Some gags land, others don’t, and the script’s sudden bursts of melancholy dependably catch you in the gut.—
Nicholas Quah,
Vulture,
9 Sep. 2025
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The same can be said of Mescal, who’s already parlayed playing men of muscular physique and melancholy dispositions into above-the-title movie stardom.—
David Fear,
Rolling Stone,
8 Sep. 2025
Adjective
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An amicable run-in with his ex-wife in this episode has the same thoughtful feeling.—
Ben Rosenstock,
Vulture,
10 Sep. 2025
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Her solution is to be thoughtful and focused on the right risks and opportunities.—
Jack McCullough,
Forbes.com,
10 Sep. 2025
Adjective
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The only difference is that reflective tint is not allowed anywhere on the windshield and can't be more than 35% on the front and rear windows.—
Keenan Thompson,
Freep.com,
15 Sep. 2025
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Give that remark a sobering, reflective moment.—
Lance Eliot,
Forbes.com,
15 Sep. 2025
Adjective
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Her hobbies include lusting after them, dating them, hanging out at their beach house, contemplative night-swimming in their pool, and occasionally playing volleyball.—
Vogue,
Vogue,
11 Sep. 2025
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To retrain focus, Bovee also suggested distraction-free spaces, analog activities like journaling or reading print books, and contemplative practices like meditation.—
Melissa Fleur Afshar,
MSNBC Newsweek,
11 Sep. 2025
Adjective
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After the orchestra launches in with a full flaring sound, the cello takes the lead on a sweet, almost pensive solo.—
Sheila Regan,
Twin Cities,
13 Sep. 2025
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The video begins with Grint's pensive walk home from prison after serving time for stalking, and images of Sheeran flood his memory and sight.—
Rachel Raposas,
People.com,
11 Aug. 2025
Adjective
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From meditative temple stays to mountain hikes, this itinerary is packed with meaningful encounters.—
Emese Maczko,
Forbes.com,
11 Sep. 2025
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The viola is like an extension of him, his daily tuning is a meditative practice that brings him a unique peace.—
Lauren Morrow
September 9,
Literary Hub,
9 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Ruminative.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/ruminative. Accessed 18 Sep. 2025.
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