Definition of contemplationnext
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

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance
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

Synonyms & Similar Words

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 Their eyes evoke deep contemplation of the transience of life. Anthony Kuhn, NPR, 11 June 2026 Bok envisioned the gardens as a place dedicated to beauty, contemplation, and inspiration—principles that still define the experience almost a century later. Skye Sherman, Southern Living, 11 June 2026 Space and contemplation, themes in his daily life, are also the foundation of Love Is the New Gangsta. Meagan Jordan, VIBE.com, 8 June 2026 Those could be be relationships, creative endeavors and the contemplation of big questions about life. Madeline Holcombe, CNN Money, 30 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for contemplation
Recent Examples of Synonyms for contemplation
Noun
  • Mindful downtime, including meditation, progressive muscle relaxation, or reading instead of screen time, promotes better sleep and mental quiet.
    Jesse Pines, Forbes.com, 4 July 2026
  • Residential patients will also have access to a stickball court, garden space for traditional foods, a gym and room for meditation.
    Sarah Liese, Los Angeles Times, 3 July 2026
Noun
  • An American flag waves in the crisp Alaskan air as spectators wait in anticipation to witness one of the nation’s most unusual Fourth of July spectacles.
    Carmela Asmar, USA Today, 2 July 2026
  • The developers will next prepare construction drawings and take other steps in anticipation of breaking ground in about two years.
    Roger Vincent, Los Angeles Times, 1 July 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Contemplation.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/contemplation. Accessed 5 Jul. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on contemplation

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster