MEDITATE Synonyms: 84 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How is the word 'meditate' different from other verbs like it?

Some common synonyms of meditate are muse , ponder , and ruminate . While all these words mean "to consider or examine attentively or deliberately," meditate implies a definite focusing of one's thoughts on something so as to understand it deeply. // meditated on the meaning of life

Q: When can 'muse' be used instead of 'meditate'?

The meanings of muse and meditate largely overlap; however, muse suggests a more or less focused daydreaming as in remembrance. // mused upon childhood joys

Q: Where would 'ponder' be a reasonable alternative to 'meditate'?

The words ponder and meditate can be used in similar contexts, but ponder implies a careful weighing of a problem or, often, prolonged inconclusive thinking about a matter. // pondered the course of action

Q: When is 'ruminate' a more appropriate choice than 'meditate'?

In some situations, the words ruminate and meditate are roughly equivalent. However, ruminate implies going over the same matter in one's thoughts again and again but suggests little of either purposive thinking or rapt absorption. // ruminated on past disappointments

meditate

verb

ˈme-də-ˌtāt

Definition of meditate

as in to contemplate

to give serious and careful thought to I've been meditating a career change for months

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in to intend

to have in mind as a purpose or goal had meditated a quick return to work after having the baby, but circumstances changed

Synonyms & Similar Words

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How is the word meditate different from other verbs like it?

Some common synonyms of meditate are muse, ponder, and ruminate. While all these words mean "to consider or examine attentively or deliberately," meditate implies a definite focusing of one's thoughts on something so as to understand it deeply.

meditated on the meaning of life

When can muse be used instead of meditate?

The meanings of muse and meditate largely overlap; however, muse suggests a more or less focused daydreaming as in remembrance.

mused upon childhood joys

Where would ponder be a reasonable alternative to meditate?

The words ponder and meditate can be used in similar contexts, but ponder implies a careful weighing of a problem or, often, prolonged inconclusive thinking about a matter.

pondered the course of action

When is ruminate a more appropriate choice than meditate?

In some situations, the words ruminate and meditate are roughly equivalent. However, ruminate implies going over the same matter in one's thoughts again and again but suggests little of either purposive thinking or rapt absorption.

ruminated on past disappointments

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 meditate The late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries are a particularly fertile period for meditating on this condition, then still experienced as striking, not yet normalized. — Artforum, 28 Sep. 2026 The park, open from sunrise to sunset, offers a sweet reprieve from the sun and is a great spot to take a deep breath and meditate in the woods. — Jaclyn Cosgrove, Los Angeles Times, 17 Sep. 2026 And one is this other mode of meditating on thoughts and not trying to understand it. — Quanta Magazine, 17 Sep. 2026 History and imagination mix as Hanks, playing Abraham Lincoln, mourns for his dead son, while the spirits of the dead, voiced by an A-list cast, meditate on grief and empathy. — Scott Roxborough, HollywoodReporter, 10 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for meditate

Recent Examples of Synonyms for meditate

Verb

Article 39 also contemplates an Accountability and Care Committee that helps to develop injury-surveillance systems and conducts investigations.

— Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 26 Oct. 2026
Anyone contemplating retirement abroad should investigate insurance, emergency arrangements and the ability to pay upfront before making the move.

— Lance B. Fulford, Fortune, 25 Oct. 2026

Definition of contemplate

Verb

These changes were intended to support the long-distance challenge, which required multiple crossings rather than a single uninterrupted run in one direction.

— Jijo Malayil, Interesting Engineering, 26 Oct. 2026
The throw was intended for Jaxon Smith-Njigba but Williams made the interception.

— Blair Kerkhoff, Kansas City Star, 26 Oct. 2026

Definition of intend

Verb

No one interested in pondering what looks like an intractably difficult conflict need turn their attention to Iran or Israel.

— Business Columnist, Los Angeles Times, 22 Oct. 2026
Newsom, in the podcast, appeared to already be considering them while pondering what to do next.

— Stephen Hobbs, Sacbee.com, 21 Oct. 2026

Definition of ponder

Verb

Keep scrolling to shop our ultimate Thanksgiving hosting guide, featuring cooking essentials, entertaining must haves, table decor and more.

— ABC News, ABC News, 22 Oct. 2026
Later, she’s entertained by a mouse running along the baseboard of one of London’s more elegant restaurants.

— Sarah Crompton, Vogue, 21 Oct. 2026

Definition of entertain

Verb

Since then, the Buffaloes have gone 18-26, including a 9-4 effort from a 2024 roster that including his son Shedeur Sanders, who is now with the Cleveland Browns, and Heisman Trophy winner Travis Hunter, now with the Jacksonville Jaguars.

— Chuck Schilken, Los Angeles Times, 28 Oct. 2026
Pat Dowell, 3rd, and others have called the session for Monday to have the council clarify that the $75 million will go toward the city’s pensions now.

— The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 28 Oct. 2026

Definition of go

Verb

Marketed under the brand name Keytruda, pembrolizumab is considered to be something of a wonder drug in its own right, with just 30% of patients relapsing in the first two years of treatment.

— Mike McRae October 25, New Atlas, 26 Oct. 2026
Operators must consider what happens when that material eventually returns to Earth.

— Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 25 Oct. 2026

Definition of consider

Verb

James scored 18 points, grabbed two rebounds and was a minus-22 going up against Paul Reed, and the 76ers were left to hope his presence at center was nothing more than a cameo.

— Dan Gelston, Los Angeles Times, 26 Oct. 2026
Some Republican lawmakers hope the ballot question will encourage more people to vote.

— ABC News, ABC News, 25 Oct. 2026

Definition of hope

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mediocrity

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“Meditate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/meditate. Accessed 29 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of meditate

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