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

Examples 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 Capturing a mood over 15 takes on a three-page day is akin to being able to meditate by candlelight while in the bath. —

Diane Farr, The Hollywood Reporter, 23 Dec. 2024 Like a Buddha that meditated too deeply and passed over enlightenment on the way to raving insanity, modern art had destroyed itself through excessive, nihilistic contemplation. —

Dean Kissick, Harper's Magazine, 2 Dec. 2024 That’s because Almodóvar is a renowned gay artist who brings his perspective to his work but also because, crucially, this is a movie that meditates on American identity made by a non-American director. —

James Factora, Them, 20 Dec. 2024 The number one habit is to meditate for five minutes three times a week, not seven times a week. —

Jack McCullough, Forbes, 18 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for meditate

Recent Examples of Synonyms for meditate

Verb

Rather than contemplating military action, the United States should prioritize building constructive partnerships with Greenland.

Yaakov Katz, Newsweek, 17 Jan. 2025
The House settlement contemplates colleges paying athletes for media rights, ticket sales, sponsorships and NIL.

Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 17 Jan. 2025