trances

plural of trance
as in reveries
the state of being lost in thought lulled by the sound of the train, she stared out the window in a trance, oblivious to the fact that the conductor was taking tickets

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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 trances Unlike in Cutud, participants are mostly female faith healers adhering not to vows but to mystic trances and possession. — H.m.a. Leow, JSTOR Daily, 10 July 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for trances
Noun
  • The romantic reveries sometimes give way to things sillier and saucier.
    — Chris Willman, Variety, 19 Sep. 2026
  • Her adultery story initially evokes the imprisoned girl’s compensatory reveries, but over time its focus shifts.
    — Katy Waldman, New Yorker, 3 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • And amidst the momentum of reverie, there’s the line ‘Blink at the light and hope to survive,’ because daydreams in a fascist state can be scary too.
    — Nina Corcoran, Pitchfork, 23 June 2026
  • One-touch passing, feinting and ripping hard shots into a tattered net, each is super-charged by vivid daydreams of glory on the international stage.
    — Jason Motlagh, Rolling Stone, 22 June 2026
Noun
  • Ricochet’s 18-detector setup studies elusive reactor neutrinos while new software automates monitoring and analysis.
    — Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 26 Sep. 2026
  • The cause and manner of death remain pending further studies and investigation, the spokesperson said.
    — Justin Muszynski, Hartford Courant, 26 Sep. 2026
Noun
  • Intentionality, agency to choose and visions of alternative futures could go a long way toward goal achievement.
    — Keith Tidman, Baltimore Sun, 24 Sep. 2026
  • Lourdes became a major pilgrimage destination after the Catholic Church officially recognized Bernadette's visions as Apparitions in 1862.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 24 Sep. 2026
Noun
  • During these walking meditations my notebook starts to feel suspiciously similar to the luckless young climber’s selfie camera.
    — Brian Laidlaw, Longreads, 1 Sep. 2026
  • At the Miraval Slumber Party, guests explore their sleep patterns and dreams, then are guided through acupressure exercises, stretching, and meditations with singing bowls.
    — Robb Report Studio, Robb Report, 28 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • May talked about her gender but also what sounded like contemplations of self-harm.
    — Jo Yurcaba, NBC news, 18 July 2026
  • Selzer’s contemplations bring together literature, history, philosophy, medicine, and ruminations.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 14 May 2026
Noun
  • After eight years of fighting for their dreams, the series finale of All American gives the space for these characters to finally, fully realize them.
    — Katie Campione, Deadline, 28 Sep. 2026
  • Have your sights set on the autumn-appropriate shoulder bag (or leather tote bag) of your dreams?
    — Stacia Datskovska, Footwear News, 28 Sep. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Trances.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/trances. Accessed 2 Oct. 2026.

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