Definition of meditatenext

Synonym Chooser

How is the word meditate different from other verbs like it?

Some common synonyms of meditate are muse, ponder, and ruminate. While all these words mean "to consider or examine attentively or deliberately," meditate implies a definite focusing of one's thoughts on something so as to understand it deeply.

meditated on the meaning of life

When can muse be used instead of meditate?

The meanings of muse and meditate largely overlap; however, muse suggests a more or less focused daydreaming as in remembrance.

mused upon childhood joys

Where would ponder be a reasonable alternative to meditate?

The words ponder and meditate can be used in similar contexts, but ponder implies a careful weighing of a problem or, often, prolonged inconclusive thinking about a matter.

pondered the course of action

When is ruminate a more appropriate choice than meditate?

In some situations, the words ruminate and meditate are roughly equivalent. However, ruminate implies going over the same matter in one's thoughts again and again but suggests little of either purposive thinking or rapt absorption.

ruminated on past disappointments

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 meditate If possible, take some time to journal or meditate (napping would also be valid). Tarot.com, Hartford Courant, 10 Mar. 2026 Mindfulness techniques All kinds of mindfulness techniques, from practicing yoga with your children to meditating together, can help regulate emotions. Taylor Grothe, Parents, 9 Mar. 2026 The group would gather around a bonfire, meditating and listening to some calming music. Yiyun Li, New Yorker, 1 Mar. 2026 The striker also meditates daily and does yoga sessions three times a week. Ian Irving, New York Times, 28 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for meditate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for meditate
Verb
  • The idea that consumer taxes would be one of them is hard to contemplate.
    Jim Cramer, CNBC, 29 Mar. 2026
  • The slow burn of Santos getting repeatedly plowed over with stress and emotion has led her to contemplate self-harm again.
    Maggie Fremont, Vulture, 27 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • Supporters said the bill is intended to address ongoing concerns about insurance availability following destructive wildfires across the region.
    City News Service, Daily News, 31 Mar. 2026
  • Attorneys for Tyler Robinson, the man accused of assassinating conservative icon Charlie Kirk, have revealed who prosecutors intend to call to the stand and also asked the court to delay the preliminary hearing.
    Adam Sabes, FOXNews.com, 30 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • Who ever ponders the conveniences of that 20th-century innovation, the airplane, that makes 21st-century hustle possible?
    CBS News, CBS News, 29 Mar. 2026
  • But news is expected soon on the Hall of Fame KU coach, who is pondering his future after having heart problems the past few years.
    PJ Green, Kansas City Star, 26 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • Competitions are planned ranging from a strawberry costume contest to pie eating and beer stein-holding.
    Linda Mcintosh, San Diego Union-Tribune, 31 Mar. 2026
  • After suffering a brutal knockout at UFC Seattle, Maycee Barber is already planning her comeback.
    Kyle Newman, Denver Post, 31 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • The kids' menu is tempting for adults and youngsters alike, and if in doubt, a ride in the golf carts that come with each villa will be more than enough to keep everyone entertained.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 2 Apr. 2026
  • The notion of relying on Kurdish forces as a national alternative was briefly entertained, then abandoned.
    Kazem Kazerounian, Hartford Courant, 1 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • Could a straighter road make cars go faster?
    Charlotte Observer, Charlotte Observer, 30 Mar. 2026
  • To meet his growing costs, Meraj had increased the price of a cup of tea from ten rupees to fifteen, a fifty-per-cent rise (in New York terms, like a cup of drip coffee going from just shy of four dollars to nearly six overnight).
    Nathan Heller, New Yorker, 30 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • Overland Park is considering building new community pools as part of its widespread parks and recreation master plan.
    Taylor O'Connor, Kansas City Star, 5 Apr. 2026
  • Families should consider making a nutritious snack available an hour or so before sports practices so children with that earlier lunch time have energy available to fuel activities.
    Dr. Sarah Kinsella, Boston Herald, 5 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • As DeSantis leaves office, the candidates who hope to replace him have the opportunity to shape the death penalty to their own vision.
    Romy Ellenbogen, Sun Sentinel, 31 Mar. 2026
  • Some of this, though perhaps not as much as a curious reader might hope, is the subject of a recent GQ interview with the rapper.
    Hershal Pandya, Vulture, 24 Mar. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Meditate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/meditate. Accessed 5 Apr. 2026.

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