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
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Recent Examples of contemplation
Tiffany approaches her projects with research and contemplation and then follows through with flawless details.
—
Heide Janssen, Oc Register, 15 Mar. 2026
Eid al-Fitr is a time of renewal after Ramadan's month of spiritual cleansing, self-restraint and contemplation and is a joyous time to spend with friends and family.
—C. A. Bridges, Oklahoman, 14 Mar. 2026
The paradox that the lush and peaceful surroundings also harbored the violent history of enslavement offered visiting artists further nuance for contemplation.
—Amy Paige Condon, AJC.com, 12 Mar. 2026
Somewhere in the next hour after the field is announced, there will be contemplation and whining about the specter of the NCAA growing its postseason field, most likely to 76 teams.
—Mac Engel
march 10, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 10 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for contemplation
Heide Janssen, Oc Register, 15 Mar. 2026
Eid al-Fitr is a time of renewal after Ramadan's month of spiritual cleansing, self-restraint and contemplation and is a joyous time to spend with friends and family.
—C. A. Bridges, Oklahoman, 14 Mar. 2026
The paradox that the lush and peaceful surroundings also harbored the violent history of enslavement offered visiting artists further nuance for contemplation.
—Amy Paige Condon, AJC.com, 12 Mar. 2026
Somewhere in the next hour after the field is announced, there will be contemplation and whining about the specter of the NCAA growing its postseason field, most likely to 76 teams.
—Mac Engel
march 10, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 10 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for contemplation
Recent Examples of Synonyms for contemplation
Noun
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For a more immersive experience, consider the water rejuvenation and meditation session, which takes place at Buahan’s own waterfall at the bottom of the valley.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
31 Mar. 2026
-
Hicks begins her sound sessions with breath and guided meditation work before diving into the sound journey.—
Britt Julious,
Chicago Tribune,
30 Mar. 2026
Noun
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The change — included in contract revisions the City Commission approved in February — is the latest example of the city bending on its requirements to move the project forward as the anticipation around the stadium heightened.—
Miami Herald,
Miami Herald,
3 Apr. 2026
-
Chemistry a texture in the air, every glance charged, the anticipation almost unbearable.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
3 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Contemplation.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/contemplation. Accessed 5 Apr. 2026.
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