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

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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 May talked about her gender but also what sounded like contemplations of self-harm. Jo Yurcaba, NBC news, 18 July 2026 Trish and Dan Bell Chapel The Trish and Dan Bell Chapel will serve as a gathering place for worship, contemplation and spiritual strengthening at FIU. Florida International University, Miami Herald, 1 July 2026 Many crude laughs were bolstered by the attached contemplation. Ben Travers, IndieWire, 30 June 2026 Its challenges require active engagement, not passive contemplation. Literary Hub, 17 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for contemplation
Recent Examples of Synonyms for contemplation
Noun
  • And finally, there’s poor Leighton Vance — or at least a version of Leighton Vance who’s not the CEO of Velocity Tech but the leader of a small meditation group.
    Scott Tobias, Vulture, 28 Aug. 2026
  • At the Miraval Slumber Party, guests explore their sleep patterns and dreams, then are guided through acupressure exercises, stretching, and meditations with singing bowls.
    Robb Report Studio, Robb Report, 28 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • As the clock edges toward midnight on October 27, book stores and e-tailers across the globe will be blushing with anticipation.
    Kyle MacNeill, Vogue, 28 Aug. 2026
  • There is much anticipation for closing arguments today, and potentially a verdict, in this case that has captured the nation's attention.
    Sumiko Corley, NBC news, 27 Aug. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Contemplation.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/contemplation. Accessed 2 Sep. 2026.

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