con·tem·pla·tive
kən-ˈtem-plə-tiv 
ˈkän-təm-ˌplā-,
-ˌtem-
: marked by or given to contemplation
specifically
: of or relating to a religious order devoted to prayer and penance
a contemplative order of nuns
contemplatively
adverb
contemplativeness
noun
: a person who practices contemplation
Synonyms
Examples of contemplative in a Sentence
Adjective
He has lived a quiet, contemplative life.
She joined a contemplative order of nuns.
Recent Examples on the Web
Marco Della Cava, USA TODAY, 29 Oct. 2024
Indeed, one marvels at how often the protesters for Palestine have been treated like the freshman reader of Lolita who, lacking the niceties of the contemplative attitude, objects to all that business with the pedophile.
—Andrea Long Chu, Vulture, 11 Oct. 2024
Stephania Taladrid, The New Yorker, 26 Oct. 2024
Read the full Sagittarius Daily Horoscope Capricorn (December 21 - January 19)
Feeling contemplative, but don’t want to sit there?
—USA TODAY, 16 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for contemplative 
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.
Adjective
The wild card who ultimately upends the conclave is the mysterious and contemplative Cardinal Benitez (Carlos Diehz), who arrives late to the proceedings.
—Marco Della Cava, USA TODAY, 29 Oct. 2024
Indeed, one marvels at how often the protesters for Palestine have been treated like the freshman reader of Lolita who, lacking the niceties of the contemplative attitude, objects to all that business with the pedophile.
—Andrea Long Chu, Vulture, 11 Oct. 2024
Noun
On a wall of her office, a painting depicted Chavez looking contemplative, with a desert road behind him.
—Stephania Taladrid, The New Yorker, 26 Oct. 2024
Read the full Sagittarius Daily Horoscope Capricorn (December 21 - January 19)
Feeling contemplative, but don’t want to sit there?
—USA TODAY, 16 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for contemplative
Dictionary Entries Near contemplative
Cite this Entry
“Contemplative.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/contemplative. Accessed 23 Nov. 2024.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share