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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
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
Synonyms & Similar Words
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 contemplation
For so many of our entertainment heroes, considering their legacy is more about contemplation than unabashed celebration.
—
Andre Gee, Rolling Stone, 10 Feb. 2025
The monastery is also home to pink-robe-wearing novice monks, who train at Taung Kalat, and yetis, or hermit monks, who glide in their peaked caps in quiet contemplation across the precariously balanced complex.
—Shoshi Parks, Smithsonian Magazine, 31 Jan. 2025
This is followed by solitary Bible study and contemplation.
—Lawrence Wright, The New Yorker, 10 Feb. 2025
At the other end of Eilean Mòr, past a mossy Celtic cross standing like a lighthouse at the island’s tallest point, Sandy showed us the Cave of Saint Cormac, its opening hardly more than four feet high, where eighth-century monks used to retreat for periods of secluded contemplation.
—Leslie Jamison, Travel + Leisure, 23 Jan. 2025
See All Example Sentences for contemplation
Andre Gee, Rolling Stone, 10 Feb. 2025
The monastery is also home to pink-robe-wearing novice monks, who train at Taung Kalat, and yetis, or hermit monks, who glide in their peaked caps in quiet contemplation across the precariously balanced complex.
—Shoshi Parks, Smithsonian Magazine, 31 Jan. 2025
This is followed by solitary Bible study and contemplation.
—Lawrence Wright, The New Yorker, 10 Feb. 2025
At the other end of Eilean Mòr, past a mossy Celtic cross standing like a lighthouse at the island’s tallest point, Sandy showed us the Cave of Saint Cormac, its opening hardly more than four feet high, where eighth-century monks used to retreat for periods of secluded contemplation.
—Leslie Jamison, Travel + Leisure, 23 Jan. 2025
See All Example Sentences for contemplation
Recent Examples of Synonyms for contemplation
Noun
-
While Pasolini delivers his meditations to clergy members gathered at the Vatican, the pope listens from his hospital room, though the attendees cannot see or hear him.—
Faisal Kutty,
Newsweek,
11 Mar. 2025
-
In his art practice, Johnson is known for his sharp meditations on race and class rooted in a more organic vocabulary steeped in sculptural and painterly traditions.—
Francesca Aton,
ARTnews.com,
10 Mar. 2025
Noun
-
Nonetheless after the ballot, there will be anticipation over how Trump might react.—
Faisal Kutty,
Newsweek,
11 Mar. 2025
-
Chinese exporters have been rushing to front-load outbound shipments since late last year on anticipation of more tariffs as U.S. President Donald Trump returned to the White House.—
Anniek Bao,
CNBC,
7 Mar. 2025
Noun
-
The comedown in 2025 consensus earnings expectations on Danaher, particularly in its biotech segment, have led to more realistic growth expectations for the company, Sykes said.—
Pia Singh,
CNBC,
21 Mar. 2025
-
However, this mindset is suffocating and often only leads to further anxiety, stress and unrealistic expectations.—
Kent Ingle,
Forbes,
21 Mar. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Contemplation.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/contemplation. Accessed 25 Mar. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share