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 These philosophies manifest in Benesse House's deliberate restraint—spaces designed for contemplation rather than excessive comfort and convenience. Ryan Craggs, Travel + Leisure, 29 Apr. 2025 This may require some solo contemplation, dialogue with friends, therapy or journaling. Shannon Carpenter, CNN Money, 18 Apr. 2025 Each image can provoke conversation, contemplation and gratitude. News Release, San Diego Union-Tribune, 17 May 2025 The group committed to a lifestyle of poverty, along with a mix of contemplation and pastoral service. Patricia Mazzei, New York Times, 13 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for contemplation
Recent Examples of Synonyms for contemplation
Noun
  • Her guiding principle, the high-low mix, is in full effect: Henry Louis Gates, Jr., on Hillary Clinton; Daphne Merkin on S & M. There are portraits by Annie Leibovitz and a meditation on Princess Diana.
    Molly Fischer, New Yorker, 15 June 2025
  • Treatments range from Watsu (water therapy) to guided meditation, nutrition consults, and Reiki.
    Rooksana Hossenally, Forbes.com, 14 June 2025
Noun
  • The match is expected to garner an international fan base, and law enforcement agencies in South Florida have been preparing for the event and training officers in anticipation.
    Vivienne Serret, Miami Herald, 13 June 2025
  • There would’ve been big-time anticipation for McCarthy’s sophomore season either way, though, because Minnesota never planned to start him last year over Sam Darnold.
    Nick Baumgardner, New York Times, 13 June 2025
Noun
  • Yet the series skewers any audience expectations about, well, everything.
    Carole Horst, Variety, 13 June 2025
  • Although falling short of the court expectations as part of the procedures, filings show that in the June to November 2024 period, average monthly revenues at the retailer stood at 900,000 euros, and at 500,000 euros in December 2024 and January 2025.
    Martino Carrera, Footwear News, 13 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Contemplation.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/contemplation. Accessed 19 Jun. 2025.

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