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 The full moon marks the end of the monthly lunar cycle, creating a time of reflection, contemplation and rejuvenation. Lisa Stardust, People.com, 14 Mar. 2025 In the garden, there are benches ideal for contemplation amid the hum of pollinators and the caress of soft breezes. Frances MacDougall, Southern Living, 17 Feb. 2025 And, where many other Stoic writers suggest seeking the divine through contemplation of the stars or natural landscapes, Pliny does the same with bugs and grubs. Livia Gershon, JSTOR Daily, 5 Mar. 2025 In the weeks before the election, former President Barack Obama gave moral sermons and philosophical treatises on behalf of the Harris-Walz campaign, his speeches suggesting that politics still existed in a social atmosphere of contemplation and debate. Brady Brickner-Wood, The New Yorker, 5 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for contemplation
Recent Examples of Synonyms for contemplation
Noun
  • Those who want to focus on wellness could snap up a home with an on-site gym, a spa space, a meditation suite, and other features.
    Tori Latham, Robb Report, 4 Apr. 2025
  • Take a sabbatical, travel or attend a meditation retreat.
    Cara Heilmann, Forbes.com, 2 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • On Sunday night minutes before the start of the Spokane Regional championship match between UConn and USC the stadium was not only buzzing with anticipation of the game but the news that hit social media: graduate guard Olivia Miles had entered the transfer portal.
    Allison Smith, Forbes.com, 3 Apr. 2025
  • Out for 101 days with a hamstring injury, Arsenal supporters crammed into the Emirates with the anticipation of seeing him for the first time this year.
    Art de Roché, New York Times, 2 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • A number of high-profile news anchors have also left their jobs in the last year after receiving contract renewals that did not meet their expectations.
    Alex Weprin, HollywoodReporter, 2 Apr. 2025
  • Trump’s prior comments and decisions on tariffs have roiled the markets, and the expectation is for further volatility in response to his announcement.
    Ramsey Touchberry, The Washington Examiner, 2 Apr. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Contemplation.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/contemplation. Accessed 16 Apr. 2025.

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