1
as in meditation
long or deep thinking about spiritual matters the decision to enter a monastery and to spend one's life in prayer and contemplation

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2
as in anticipation
the act or state of looking forward to some occurrence in contemplation of their children's college expenses, they started saving early

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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 contemplation Too much isolation can lead someone askew—ask the Unabomber—but this kind of solitary contemplation offers a retreat from social pressures. Jeremy Gordon, The Atlantic, 24 June 2025 Designed by Frida Escobedo, the plaza features seating and a reflecting pool with a fog effect, and doubles as both a gathering spot and place of serene contemplation within the enclave. Jeffrey Steele, Forbes.com, 17 June 2025 There’s a loveliness to every scene, quiet urban beauty that leaves space for the audience’s contemplation. Alissa Wilkinson, New York Times, 15 May 2025 An almost but not quite maudlin contemplation of the inevitability of death. Shana Naomi Krochmal, Vulture, 4 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for contemplation
Recent Examples of Synonyms for contemplation
Noun
  • Additionally, Oshun Griot offers healing rituals, including meditations, yoga, and affirmations rooted in cultural traditions, as well as real-life stories from individuals of color navigating their fertility journeys, and helpful yoga videos.
    Dominique Fluker, Essence, 1 Aug. 2025
  • Professor Skye, who provides rambling, philosophy-laden meditations on albums that might at first seem out of the wheelhouse of an aging French lecturer, if that benevolent teacher vibe is your thing.
    Kieran Press-Reynolds, Pitchfork, 31 July 2025
Noun
  • There will be anticipation over what Moscow's next move will be, given that Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov reiterated on Sunday that Moscow would not cease the war in Ukraine until its goals were met. Update 7/28/25, 10:08 a.m.
    Brendan Cole, MSNBC Newsweek, 28 July 2025
  • The hall was buzzing with anticipation to see the panel’s stars in person, and to see Lucas’ Comic-Con debut.
    Kristen Taketa, Mercury News, 28 July 2025
Noun
  • Satisfying the ever increasing power and cooling needs of AI data centers may keep propelling Vertiv’s stock ahead of investor expectations.
    Peter Cohan, Forbes.com, 31 July 2025
  • Microsoft’s fiscal fourth-quarter profit was $34.3 billion, or $3.65 per share, beating analyst expectations for $3.37 per share.
    Sasha Rogelberg, Fortune, 31 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Contemplation.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/contemplation. Accessed 6 Aug. 2025.

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