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

Relevance

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 Jewish people may spend the day fasting or attending synagogues, where congregations pray and meditate. —

Zach Bradshaw, The Arizona Republic, 2 Oct. 2024 Visitors often meditate here, seeking both reflection and inspiration in the balanced energies of the canyon. —

Erica Wertheim Zohar, Forbes, 3 Oct. 2024 The mornings are the ideal time to meditate, minds are not yet racing or cluttered with the days tasks and interaction. —

Tribune Content Agency, The Mercury News, 25 Sep. 2024 Focus on what nourishes you: exercise, meditate, stay off social media when needed, and remove toxic situations and people from your life. —

Becca Longmire, Peoplemag, 23 Sep. 2024 See all Example Sentences for meditate

Recent Examples of Synonyms for meditate

Verb

The alternative is a future too abhorrent for even the most dystopian imaginations at WIRED to contemplate.

Katie Drummond, WIRED, 4 Nov. 2024
Their agreement contemplated alternative dispute mechanisms, including arbitration, to resolve any contractual conflict.

Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 4 Nov. 2024