ruminated

verb

past tense of ruminate
as in pondered
to give serious and careful thought to the minister hoped that the congregation would spend the remainder of the week ruminating the message of his sermon

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 ruminated The actor’s outfit was adapted from Ackermann’s Fall-Winter 2026 ready-to-wear collection, which ruminated on the language of desire and seduction, and the magnetism of opposites. — Jacqui Palumbo, CNN Money, 7 Aug. 2026 Shanahan ruminated on that topic in his news conference following the 49ers 48-27 win over the Indianapolis Colts Monday. — Chris Biderman, Sacbee.com, 23 Dec. 2025 As part of saluting the filmmakers, actors, and artisans responsible for some of the most exciting cinematic works of the year, Thomas next ruminated on the true meaning of both activism and, ahem, IndieWire. — Kate Erbland, IndieWire, 5 Dec. 2025 Trump has long ruminated on his desire to win the prize. — Emily Hallas, The Washington Examiner, 17 Oct. 2025 In that time, the actress has ruminated on her relationship with it from the perspective gained with distance. — Larisha Paul, Rolling Stone, 24 Sep. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for ruminated
  1. pondered
  2. contemplated
  3. debated
  4. considered
  5. entertained
  6. studied
  7. questioned
Verb
  • In a July 2025 text chain, an agent pondered whether facial recognition tools could be used to identify people on TikTok who admitted to being in the country illegally.
    — Clara Harter, Los Angeles Times, 29 July 2026
  • In a July interview with Rolling Stone, Foreman pondered why his story went viral.
    — Althea Legaspi, Rolling Stone, 29 July 2026
Definition of pondered
Verb
  • The siblings may argue that the current transaction implements the type of sale that Jeanie and the trustees contemplated in the tag-along provision.
    — Mirin Fader, New York Times, 21 Aug. 2026
  • The average increase in each toll being contemplated is 45 cents, which on some legs of Illinois’ network of toll roads will literally double the cost.
    — The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 19 Aug. 2026
Definition of contemplated
Verb
  • Yet, Stella Lefty’s rise has been hotly debated — conversations about nepotism, originality, and TikTok’s influence on the music industry have taken over.
    — Jason P. Frank, Vulture, 31 Aug. 2026
  • From Engineer To Operator How much FDE an organization needs versus traditional engineering is already being debated.
    — Lutz Finger, Forbes.com, 30 Aug. 2026
Definition of debated
Verb
  • Options considered during the analysis included drilling holes in the existing piles and adding more steel inside, or widening the pile caps so more piles could be added on the outside.
    — David Garrick, San Diego Union-Tribune, 26 Aug. 2026
  • Today, they’re considered indicators of healthy freshwater ecosystems, since the otters rely on clean water, plentiful fish and intact river habitat.
    — Moná Thomas, PEOPLE, 25 Aug. 2026
Definition of considered
Verb
  • The two men have entertained them by doing cartwheels, blowing bubbles and playing tag.
    — Erin Clack, PEOPLE, 29 Aug. 2026
  • In the early ‘60s, the Tower Theater’s films entertained Cuban refugees and introduced them to American culture, making the theater a cultural cornerstone for the local Cuban community.
    — Amanda Rosa, Miami Herald, 28 Aug. 2026
Definition of entertained
Verb
  • This is true for ALE too, which academic researchers have studied extensively in an attempt to improve processes or address its low throughput.
    — Ameya Paleja, Interesting Engineering, 27 Aug. 2026
  • Using the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST), astronomers have studied 72 young, sun-like stars.
    — Robert Lea, Space.com, 27 Aug. 2026
Definition of studied
Verb
  • He was initially detained and questioned then released from Bahamian custody in April.
    — Kelsie Cairns, FOXNews.com, 29 Aug. 2026
  • Several election officials and government advocates have questioned how quickly the Postal Service can stand up the systems necessary to ensure the rule can be followed for this election.
    — Sarah D. Wire, USA Today, 28 Aug. 2026
Definition of questioned

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Cite this Entry

“Ruminated.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/ruminated. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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