as in melancholy
given to or marked by long, quiet thinking
a ruminative man, who contributed to discussions only after he had completely thought things through
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
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 ruminative
The joke, delivered in Jay’s ruminative style, plays well.
—
Hershal Pandya, Vulture, 22 Aug. 2025
Hershal Pandya, Vulture, 22 Aug. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for ruminative
Adjective
-
Brian Dunne’s terrific new album Clams Casino possesses that same kind of teleportation magic, albeit with less nostalgia and more melancholy.—
Joseph Hudak,
Rolling Stone,
5 Sep. 2025
-
If the themes sound melancholy, Jackman ensures the execution is never dour.—
Leila Latif,
IndieWire,
5 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
Adjective
-
The paddles would be situated 180 degrees with relation to one another, so the reflective sides point in opposite directions.—
Keith Cooper,
Space.com,
8 Sep. 2025
-
The product has nine light-reflective shades and is infused with 85 percent skincare ingredients, the company tells me.—
Rachel Burchfield,
Forbes.com,
8 Sep. 2025
Adjective
-
Her hobbies include lusting after them, dating them, hanging out at their beach house, contemplative night-swimming in their pool, and occasionally playing volleyball.—
Vogue,
Vogue,
11 Sep. 2025
-
To retrain focus, Bovee also suggested distraction-free spaces, analog activities like journaling or reading print books, and contemplative practices like meditation.—
Melissa Fleur Afshar,
MSNBC Newsweek,
11 Sep. 2025
Adjective
-
The video begins with Grint's pensive walk home from prison after serving time for stalking, and images of Sheeran flood his memory and sight.—
Rachel Raposas,
People.com,
11 Aug. 2025
-
Her pensive, probing Symphony in C-Sharp Minor had never been performed until the conductor Debora Waldman took it up and recorded it for Bru Zane.—
Alex Ross,
New Yorker,
4 Aug. 2025
Adjective
-
From meditative temple stays to mountain hikes, this itinerary is packed with meaningful encounters.—
Emese Maczko,
Forbes.com,
11 Sep. 2025
-
The viola is like an extension of him, his daily tuning is a meditative practice that brings him a unique peace.—
Lauren Morrow
September 9,
Literary Hub,
9 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Ruminative.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/ruminative. Accessed 14 Sep. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share