MEDITATE Synonyms: 84 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How is the word 'meditate' different from other verbs like it?

Some common synonyms of meditate are muse , ponder , and ruminate . While all these words mean "to consider or examine attentively or deliberately," meditate implies a definite focusing of one's thoughts on something so as to understand it deeply. // meditated on the meaning of life

Q: When can 'muse' be used instead of 'meditate'?

The meanings of muse and meditate largely overlap; however, muse suggests a more or less focused daydreaming as in remembrance. // mused upon childhood joys

Q: Where would 'ponder' be a reasonable alternative to 'meditate'?

The words ponder and meditate can be used in similar contexts, but ponder implies a careful weighing of a problem or, often, prolonged inconclusive thinking about a matter. // pondered the course of action

Q: When is 'ruminate' a more appropriate choice than 'meditate'?

In some situations, the words ruminate and meditate are roughly equivalent. However, ruminate implies going over the same matter in one's thoughts again and again but suggests little of either purposive thinking or rapt absorption. // ruminated on past disappointments

meditate

verb

ˈme-də-ˌtāt

Definition of meditate next

as in to contemplate

to give serious and careful thought to I've been meditating a career change for months

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in to intend

to have in mind as a purpose or goal had meditated a quick return to work after having the baby, but circumstances changed

Synonyms & Similar Words

Synonym Chooser

How is the word meditate different from other verbs like it?

Some common synonyms of meditate are muse, ponder, and ruminate. While all these words mean "to consider or examine attentively or deliberately," meditate implies a definite focusing of one's thoughts on something so as to understand it deeply.

meditated on the meaning of life

When can muse be used instead of meditate?

The meanings of muse and meditate largely overlap; however, muse suggests a more or less focused daydreaming as in remembrance.

mused upon childhood joys

Where would ponder be a reasonable alternative to meditate?

The words ponder and meditate can be used in similar contexts, but ponder implies a careful weighing of a problem or, often, prolonged inconclusive thinking about a matter.

pondered the course of action

When is ruminate a more appropriate choice than meditate?

In some situations, the words ruminate and meditate are roughly equivalent. However, ruminate implies going over the same matter in one's thoughts again and again but suggests little of either purposive thinking or rapt absorption.

ruminated on past disappointments

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 meditate The practicing Buddhist, who shares one adult son with Sandra, wakes up at 5:30 a.m. every morning to meditate. —

Ana Calderone, People.com, 1 Feb. 2025 Please take this time to meditate, reflect, and send positivity into the universe. —

Natalie Oganesyan, Deadline, 18 Jan. 2025 That might mean starting a gratitude journal or simply meditating. —

Caroline Castrillon, Forbes, 12 Jan. 2025 That may mean waking up an hour early to meditate, take a bath, drink tea, do some stretching or otherwise tend to yourself before your household wakes up. —

Harriette Cole, The Mercury News, 7 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for meditate

Recent Examples of Synonyms for meditate

Verb

Chaska High School’s 1936 baseball team has already booked two games with Jordan High and is contemplating contests with Saint Louis Park and New Prague, coach Albert Mooney said Monday.

— Contributed Content, Twin Cities, 7 Feb. 2025
As a dad to two boys, taking a moment to contemplate the scope of the job can be a bit overwhelming for me.

— DeVonne Goode, Parents, 6 Feb. 2025