as in melancholy
given to or marked by long, quiet thinking
rainy days often put her in a pensive mood
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of pensive
The musician showcased the pensive track, which references Nashville venue Robert’s Western World, on an acoustic guitar, offering an intimate rendition that befits his current solo tour.
—
Emily Zemler, Rolling Stone, 27 Feb. 2025
Rohan Goyal Double exposure This photo by Rohan Goyal, a 32-year-old with Down syndrome, captures his mother in a pensive mood laid over the image of a tall building.
—Charu Bahri, NPR, 15 Mar. 2025
On March 11, Rodgers was seen looking pensive during a beachside stroll in Malibu, Calif.
—Natasha Dye, People.com, 18 Mar. 2025
His conversational style in interviews is pensive and soft-spoken, almost professorial, which hooked up to the note of insistence just underneath the angel-cake vocal beauty.
—Owen Gleiberman, Variety, 14 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for pensive
Emily Zemler, Rolling Stone, 27 Feb. 2025
Rohan Goyal Double exposure This photo by Rohan Goyal, a 32-year-old with Down syndrome, captures his mother in a pensive mood laid over the image of a tall building.
—Charu Bahri, NPR, 15 Mar. 2025
On March 11, Rodgers was seen looking pensive during a beachside stroll in Malibu, Calif.
—Natasha Dye, People.com, 18 Mar. 2025
His conversational style in interviews is pensive and soft-spoken, almost professorial, which hooked up to the note of insistence just underneath the angel-cake vocal beauty.
—Owen Gleiberman, Variety, 14 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for pensive
Recent Examples of Synonyms for pensive
Adjective
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The lyrical content of Vernon’s records have long been marked with a tinge of turmoil, and his tendency towards heavy introspection has, at times, cornered him into a trope of a melancholy, lovesick songwriter.—
Leah Lu,
Rolling Stone,
7 Apr. 2025
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With her My Band Y’all band providing muscular backing, Clarkson gave the rock classic a melancholy makeover, injecting an extra layer of longing into Dave Grohl’s lyrics, as well as, of course, busting out one of signature paint-peeling high notes.—
Gil Kaufman,
Billboard,
4 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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The pair both showed up to their second date on the beach with thoughtful gifts and eventually shared their first kiss before Tyler met Madison's family.—
Glamour,
Glamour,
10 Apr. 2025
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This is a complex matter requiring thoughtful consideration and a long-term perspective.—
Georg Szalai,
HollywoodReporter,
10 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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The bumpy welcome was reflective of Mr. Bessent’s first few months in what might be the most difficult job in Washington.—
Alan Rappeport,
New York Times,
12 Apr. 2025
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The glass is highly reflective, and the screen simply doesn’t get bright enough to combat direct sunlight, making outdoor visibility a challenge.—
PC Magazine,
PC Magazine,
11 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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Appropriately Murrow-furrowed, Clooney presents the journalist as a downcast, contemplative, dedicated journalist with an occasional flash of dry wit — and even a bit of warmth.—
Frank Rizzo,
Variety,
4 Apr. 2025
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This grant expands access to our undergraduate Psychedelic Studies Minor, integrating rigorous academic inquiry with contemplative practices and studying mind-body integration.—
Benjamin Adams,
Forbes,
27 Feb. 2025
Adjective
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A lot of emotions — excitement and rejuvenation about joining a new team but also reflective and somber about his tenure in Boston coming to an end.—
Jordan McPherson,
Miami Herald,
10 Mar. 2025
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The mood at the event was anything but somber, though.—
Kristen Bateman,
Vogue,
10 Mar. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Pensive.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/pensive. Accessed 21 Apr. 2025.
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