meditate

verb

ˈme-də-ˌtāt How to pronounce meditate (audio)
Definition of meditatenext
1
as in to contemplate
to give serious and careful thought to I've been meditating a career change for months

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
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

Synonym Chooser

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 idea of going into a quiet space, or the countryside, or meditating in a sanctuary can also be really destabilizing. —Damon Wise, Deadline, 16 May 2025 This is the perfect time to get quiet and journal, meditate or engage in some deep self-reflection. —Valerie Mesa, People.com, 10 May 2025 Cardinals from around the world have been gathered at the Vatican since early Wednesday morning to confer, meditate and pray before casting their ballots to elect the next leader of the Catholic Church. —Muri Assunção, New York Daily News, 7 May 2025 The books on this list employ both modes: Some offer intriguing glimpses into faraway places or striking journeys; others meditate on the beauty to be found in a backyard. —Bekah Waalkes, The Atlantic, 1 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for meditate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for meditate
  1. contemplate
  2. intend
  3. ponder
  4. plan
  5. entertain
  6. go
  7. consider
  8. hope
Verb
  • Instead of a revolution, this new approach contemplated a middle way between capitalism and socialism, one premised on a cooperative relationship between workers and management.
    — Time, Time, 29 May 2025
  • Though the film doesn’t provide a satisfactory resolution to these threads, the time the audience spends contemplating them is mostly enjoyable.
    — Murtada Elfadl, Variety, 28 May 2025
Definition of contemplate
Verb
  • The move was intended to boost subscriptions to then-fledgling HBO Max.
    — Peter Kiefer, HollywoodReporter, 4 June 2025
  • Going forward, the owners intend to integrate Vinyl Me, Please with its VinylBox and VNYL brands as a sister operation specializing in premium audio.
    — Jazz Monroe, Pitchfork, 4 June 2025
Definition of intend
Verb
  • Tyler Dragon ponders if Rodgers actually makes the Steelers better.
    — Jim Reineking, USA Today, 7 June 2025
  • The cuts come as Warner Bros. Discovery is said to be pondering a possible spinoff of its declining cable TV assets, which include its Turner channels, Discovery Networks, HGTV and Food Network, similar to what Comcast is doing with its NBCUniversal cable outlets (with the exception of Bravo).
    — Stephen Battaglio, Los Angeles Times, 4 June 2025
Definition of ponder
Verb
  • Holmes, a retiree in her early 70s, was grieving the death of her son at the time, so her daughter planned a trip to San Juan, Puerto Rico, to help her through the difficult period, per the filing.
    — Natalia Senanayake, People.com, 6 June 2025
  • Matson's father and stepmother aren't planning on attending the ceremony.
    — David Oliver, USA Today, 6 June 2025
Definition of plan
Verb
  • The day of 19th-century-style outdoor recreation will feature a variety of traditional lawn games that once entertained early Californians, such as wheelbarrow races, sack races and tug-of-war.
    — Linda Mcintosh, San Diego Union-Tribune, 6 June 2025
  • The audience is pulled in, and ultimately entertained, not just by the impeccable performances, but via an inside look at average, everyday people.
    — Hugh McIntyre, Forbes.com, 6 June 2025
Definition of entertain
Verb
  • The funds raised at this event are crucial, as the net proceeds go directly to DMVA, allowing the organization to further its essential nonprofit mission: to bolster and sustain the small businesses that form the heart of the Del Mar community, the news release stated.
    — News Release, San Diego Union-Tribune, 31 May 2025
  • Some comforters can go right into the wash with no problem, while others need some extra or different care.
    — Daley Quinn, Southern Living, 31 May 2025
Definition of go
Verb
  • ISPs feared that their court loss would lead many other states to impose similar requirements, and some states are now considering legislation modeled on New York's.
    — ArsTechnica, ArsTechnica, 30 May 2025
  • The Mark Twain House is reportedly considering tie-in events during the run in August.
    — Christopher Arnott, Hartford Courant, 30 May 2025
Definition of consider
Verb
  • But Braves fans hoping to see pre-surgery Strider will need to be patient, as Snitker has said many times and did again Tuesday.
    — David O'Brien, New York Times, 28 May 2025
  • Reese and the Sky entered the season hoping to take a big step in the right direction.
    — Evan Massey, MSNBC Newsweek, 28 May 2025
Definition of hope

Browse Nearby Words

mediocrity
meditate
meditated
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Meditate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/meditate. Accessed 10 Jun. 2025.

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Nglish: Translation of meditate for Spanish Speakers

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