contemplation
noun
con·tem·pla·tion
ˌkän-təm-ˈplā-shən 
-ˌtem-
1
a
: concentration on spiritual things as a form of private devotion
b
: a state of mystical awareness of God's being
2
: an act of considering with attention : study
made the decision after much contemplation
3
: the act of regarding steadily
was lost in quiet contemplation of the scene
4
: intention, expectation
"A considerable crime is in contemplation."—
Sir Arthur Conan Doyle
Sir Arthur Conan DoyleExamples of contemplation in a Sentence
contemplation of the meaning of life
He goes to the forest to spend time in contemplation of nature.
She was lost in quiet contemplation of the scene.
Recent Examples on the Web
These five must-haves in your morning routine corroborate studies that show morning contemplation broadens your perspective and reverses negative thoughts such as self-doubt and uncertainty about the future.
—Bryan Robinson, Forbes.com, 20 Apr. 2025
Despite the anger and hard contemplation in the songs, the album is fun (see those hooks).
—Jed Gottlieb, Boston Herald, 28 Mar. 2025
The bullpen affords its residents room for contemplation.
—Andy McCullough, New York Times, 26 Mar. 2025
His downcast eyes betray contemplation, and his face is marked by ruddy coloring and deep smile lines.
—Sonja Anderson, Smithsonian Magazine, 30 Jan. 2025
See All Example Sentences for contemplation
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Bryan Robinson, Forbes.com, 20 Apr. 2025
Despite the anger and hard contemplation in the songs, the album is fun (see those hooks).
—Jed Gottlieb, Boston Herald, 28 Mar. 2025
The bullpen affords its residents room for contemplation.
—Andy McCullough, New York Times, 26 Mar. 2025
His downcast eyes betray contemplation, and his face is marked by ruddy coloring and deep smile lines.
—Sonja Anderson, Smithsonian Magazine, 30 Jan. 2025
See All Example Sentences for contemplation
Cite this Entry
“Contemplation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/contemplation. Accessed 1 May. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
contemplation
noun
con·tem·pla·tion
ˌkänt-əm-ˈplā-shən
ˌkän-ˌtem-
1
: the act of thinking about spiritual things : meditation
2
: the act of looking at or thinking about something steadily
3
: a looking ahead to some future event : anticipation
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