CONTEMPLATIVE Synonyms: 49 Similar and Opposite Words

contemplative

adjective

kən-ˈtem-plə-tiv

Definition of contemplative

as in thoughtful

given to or marked by long, quiet thinking a contemplative person who likes to go on solitary walks the contemplative life of the monks at the abbey

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Example Sentences

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Recent Examples of contemplative Her honeyed vocals are a powerful pairing for this track’s lilting, contemplative production. — Lyndsey Havens, Billboard, 25 Sep. 2026 And in Walworth County, travelers will find more of that contemplative, fall experience, according to Emma Lowecki, director of guest experience at The Belfry House. — Stacey Leasca, Travel + Leisure, 14 Sep. 2026 Fernández’s adaptation is anxious to turn tragedy into a sermon, offering theatergoers moral solace where Sophocles leaves his audience in a contemplative state of stunned silence. — Theater Critic, Los Angeles Times, 11 Sep. 2026 We are asked constantly to dilate and contract—to adjust from contemplative darkness to the California sun, from specific detail to overarching conceit, from stillness to activity. — Katy Barkan, Artforum, 1 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for contemplative

Recent Examples of Synonyms for contemplative

Adjective

And Winnie-the-Pooh continues to sit, in a thoughtful sort of way, which is what very old bears in very nice glass cases mostly do.

— STEVE HENDRIX THE WASHINGTON POST, Arkansas Online, 21 Oct. 2026
While the palette is narrow, thoughtful color moments are strategically placed through accents like carpets and textiles.

— Audrey Lee, Architectural Digest, 20 Oct. 2026

Definition of thoughtful

Adjective

Community members' opposition to data center development in Memphis is reflective of the broader attitude across America in recent months.

— Lauren Fichten, CBS News, 21 Oct. 2026
José Antonio Bañuelos-Díaz, 42, a Mexican national and West Adams resident, appeared in court wearing a reflective vest with the name of a landscaping company, blue jeans and boots with the American flag on them.

— Kevin Rector, Los Angeles Times, 20 Oct. 2026

Definition of reflective

Adjective

Baitz’s story is set in Palm Springs, in December, 2004, at the home of Polly and Lyman Wyeth, an opulent sandstone aerie with meditative views of the desert, a massive Christmas tree, and portraits of eminences like Barry Goldwater.

— Emily Nussbaum, New Yorker, 23 Oct. 2026
Zaitova fell in love with the meditative process of creating mosaics using natural stone, smalt, and glass tile.

— Yulia Denisyuk, Condé Nast Traveler, 14 Oct. 2026

Definition of meditative

Adjective

To cope with this reality, philosophical and religious traditions such as Buddhism and Stoicism have long focused on transience, unpredictability, and the inevitability of change and loss.

— Maia Szalavitz, Scientific American, 20 Oct. 2026
Their enduring presence in literary and philosophical discussions speaks to the core function of the humanities—to explore, question, and better understand the forces that define our existence.

— Maria Papadouris, JSTOR Daily, 20 Oct. 2026