1
as in meditation
long or deep thinking about spiritual matters
the decision to enter a monastery and to spend one's life in prayer and contemplation
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2
as in anticipation
the act or state of looking forward to some occurrence
in contemplation of their children's college expenses, they started saving early
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of contemplation
This sobering contemplation of radicalization takes a nuanced look at two equally strong, competing impulses: loyalty to family on one hand, and responsibility toward the greater social good on the other.
—
Samantha Bergeson, IndieWire, 30 Jan. 2025
An oasis right in the middle of Reed College, the lake is ringed by trails, including boardwalks through wetlands, and has numerous spots overlooking the water, which are perfect for a moment of quiet contemplation.
—Kale Williams, Axios, 29 Jan. 2025
The space exudes a mood of contemplation and mystery.
—Denni Hu, WWD, 15 Jan. 2025
The contemplation isn’t a product of a down year by any means.
—Alex Zietlow, Charlotte Observer, 7 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for contemplation 
Samantha Bergeson, IndieWire, 30 Jan. 2025
An oasis right in the middle of Reed College, the lake is ringed by trails, including boardwalks through wetlands, and has numerous spots overlooking the water, which are perfect for a moment of quiet contemplation.
—Kale Williams, Axios, 29 Jan. 2025
The space exudes a mood of contemplation and mystery.
—Denni Hu, WWD, 15 Jan. 2025
The contemplation isn’t a product of a down year by any means.
—Alex Zietlow, Charlotte Observer, 7 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for contemplation
Recent Examples of Synonyms for contemplation
Noun
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In her interpretation, these songs become transcendent, soul-shattering meditations on life and loss.—
Maureen Lee Lenker,
EW.com,
14 Feb. 2025
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Combined with practices like mindfulness meditation, yoga, and massage therapy, retreats help participants significantly lower stress levels.—
Chris Gallagher,
USA TODAY,
14 Feb. 2025
Noun
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The harsh reception should only fuel the anticipation ahead of Saturday’s Canada-USA showdown.—
Chris Johnston,
The Athletic,
13 Feb. 2025
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The woman likes the anticipation of lottery games and intends to keep playing, officials said.—
Sara Schilling,
Miami Herald,
13 Feb. 2025
Noun
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The shifting expectations come as Chair Jerome Powell heads to Capitol Hill for two days of testimony this week, beginning Tuesday, before House and Senate committees that oversee the central bank and the financial industry.—
CHRISTOPHER RUGABER THE ASSOCIATED PRESS,
arkansasonline.com,
11 Feb. 2025
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Global same-store sales increased 0.4% in the quarter, a surprise rise compared with analysts' expectations of a 0.63% decline.—
Savyata Mishra,
USA TODAY,
11 Feb. 2025
Thesaurus Entries Near contemplation
Cite this Entry
“Contemplation.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/contemplation. Accessed 21 Feb. 2025.
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