as in melancholy
given to or marked by long, quiet thinking
he was clearly in a musing mood, and did not feel like talking just then
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
as in meditation
Related 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 musing
David Browne, Rolling Stone, 21 Aug. 2025
The debate over whether algorithms can ever be truly impartial has been simmering for years; what’s new is the urgency to move from philosophical musing to enforceable standards.
—Jason Snyder, Forbes.com, 8 Aug. 2025
There’s plenty of time for internal musings of each person, but unfortunately not enough for actions, conscious or subconscious, to create an interesting plot.
—The Know, Denver Post, 3 Aug. 2025
In this moving documentary, a man sentenced to life in prison at age 15 shares his musings and music from the jail cell.
—Madeleine Janz, People.com, 31 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for musing
Adjective
Events of the last month, like immigration crackdowns and military call-ups, also elicit more philosophical musings than lashings out.
—David Browne, Rolling Stone, 21 Aug. 2025
The debate over whether algorithms can ever be truly impartial has been simmering for years; what’s new is the urgency to move from philosophical musing to enforceable standards.
—Jason Snyder, Forbes.com, 8 Aug. 2025
There’s plenty of time for internal musings of each person, but unfortunately not enough for actions, conscious or subconscious, to create an interesting plot.
—The Know, Denver Post, 3 Aug. 2025
In this moving documentary, a man sentenced to life in prison at age 15 shares his musings and music from the jail cell.
—Madeleine Janz, People.com, 31 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for musing
Recent Examples of Synonyms for musing
Adjective
-
Some gags land, others don’t, and the script’s sudden bursts of melancholy dependably catch you in the gut.—
Nicholas Quah,
Vulture,
9 Sep. 2025
-
The same can be said of Mescal, who’s already parlayed playing men of muscular physique and melancholy dispositions into above-the-title movie stardom.—
David Fear,
Rolling Stone,
8 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
Historically linked to meditation and traditional Japanese dining culture, today’s iterations are all about modern living needs that suit every whim—lounging while binging on the White Lotus reruns, creating a reading nook, or simply losing oneself in texts at the end of the day.—
Audrey Lee,
Architectural Digest,
10 Sep. 2025
-
There is something about the act of paying very close attention to the world through the camera, Shore explained, that can mimic a kind of altered state of consciousness, akin to what occurs during meditation.—
Chris Wiley,
New Yorker,
9 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
The Revival Act has left some pondering what the endgame looks like for Zuffa.—
Sarah Shephard,
New York Times,
13 Sep. 2025
-
Turns out Stephano was pondering beltmaking too, leading the two to partner on a new business venture creating small-batch leather pieces and metal accessories.—
Jean E. Palmieri,
Footwear News,
12 Sep. 2025
Adjective
-
An amicable run-in with his ex-wife in this episode has the same thoughtful feeling.—
Ben Rosenstock,
Vulture,
10 Sep. 2025
-
Her solution is to be thoughtful and focused on the right risks and opportunities.—
Jack McCullough,
Forbes.com,
10 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
Bill gravitates towards Tammy (Jane Levy), his daughter-in-law and the only other person in his rambunctious household who values contemplation and repose.—
Jill Goldsmith,
Deadline,
29 Aug. 2025
-
In the contemplation stage, individuals consider the need for change and intend to take action within the foreseeable future.—
Susan Madsen,
Forbes.com,
12 Aug. 2025
Verb
-
Though his characters tend to sidestep spirituality, Wilson doesn't and is often ruminating on life, death and whatever follows.—
Mandy Taheri,
MSNBC Newsweek,
11 Sep. 2025
-
Justice notes these preoccupations often impact our wellness in subtle and overlooked ways that can add up to significant harm like sleep disturbance, irritability, uncontrolled worry, ruminating about the ‘what ifs,’ exhaustion, burnout, and over-functioning.—
Essence,
Essence,
27 Aug. 2025
Adjective
-
The only difference is that reflective tint is not allowed anywhere on the windshield and can't be more than 35% on the front and rear windows.—
Keenan Thompson,
Freep.com,
15 Sep. 2025
-
Give that remark a sobering, reflective moment.—
Lance Eliot,
Forbes.com,
15 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
This is particularly true in the final moments, with return director Simon Curtis providing a nostalgic reverie featuring haunting images from the series’ past, including, of course, Maggie Smith’s indelible character, whose portrait frequently looms over the proceedings.—
Frank Scheck,
HollywoodReporter,
3 Sep. 2025
-
But he’s been shaken out of his solipsistic reverie.—
A.O. Scott,
New York Times,
27 Aug. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Musing.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/musing. Accessed 17 Sep. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share