brooding 1 of 2

Definition of broodingnext

brooding

2 of 2

verb

present participle of brood
as in sitting
to cover and warm eggs as the young inside develop don't disturb the hen while she's brooding

Synonyms & Similar Words

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 brooding
Adjective
A lot of it came down to Adam, a brooding alcoholic, who was often unpredictable in his behavior. Shania Russell, Entertainment Weekly, 12 Apr. 2026 The height comes from a stance atop 20-inch wheels, and the vehicle’s sloping hood descends low, like a brooding brow. John Scott Lewinski, Robb Report, 8 Apr. 2026
Verb
The point is, Darcy is archetypically tall and brooding. Jackson McHenry, Vulture, 26 Feb. 2026 There will be other plumb roles, including that of Mr Rochester, the brooding master of Thornfield Hall. Andreas Wiseman, Deadline, 24 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for brooding
Recent Examples of Synonyms for brooding
Adjective
  • Sandra Birchmore was 23 and pregnant in 2021 when she was allegedly murdered by her married cop boyfriend, Matthew Farwell.
    Howie Carr, Boston Herald, 26 Apr. 2026
  • Seth’s girlfriend is pregnant, and the couple’s baby girl is due May 6, James said.
    Lillie Davidson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 26 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • Harbaugh seemed tense during his Friday press conference sitting next to GM Joe Schoen as the second round of the draft rolled on compared to a much more positive Thursday interview after the first round.
    Pat Leonard, New York Daily News, 25 Apr. 2026
  • Overall the Red Sox have scored two or fewer in 12 of their first 25 games this season, and with a 9-16 record the club is tied for the second-fewest wins in MLB while sitting seven games back of the Yankees in the AL East standings.
    Mac Cerullo, Boston Herald, 24 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • The childishness of his expressions infantilized a genuinely vicious regime, painting it as more peevish than petrifying.
    Fintan O’Toole, The New York Review of Books, 9 Apr. 2026
  • While grunge seemed peevish, grim, defeatist, and dour—and extended the kind of us-vs.-them culture most famously centered by the indie rock of the ’80s and ’90s, Oasis was celebratory, communal, and democratic while exploring themes of alienation, escape, and fantasies of triumph.
    Corey Seymour, Vogue, 28 July 2025
Adjective
  • About a year after infection, a fully mature, gravid female worm migrates to the skin, usually in the lower extremities.
    Mark Kortepeter, Forbes, 10 Jan. 2025
  • Paloski said the massasauga encountered could be a gravid female about to give birth.
    Paul A. Smith, Journal Sentinel, 14 Aug. 2022
Verb
  • Known for satirizing horror flicks, the Scary Movie films launched with the first title hitting theaters in 2000 before spawning four sequels.
    Ryan Gajewski, HollywoodReporter, 16 Apr. 2026
  • After widespread strong to severe thunderstorms swept through the area Wednesday, bringing hail up to 4 inches in diameter in Miami County and spawning a tornado in Clinton, the Kansas City area should see a much quieter day on Thursday.
    Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 16 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • What are the symptoms of irritable bowel disease?
    Lindy Segal, PEOPLE, 24 Apr. 2026
  • Perhaps through feeling more irritable, more anxious, or wanting to isolate.
    Joy Harden Bradford, AJC.com, 2 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • Many of the couple's friends, family and fans commented under the post, sharing their congratulations for the expectant parents.
    Kayla Grant, PEOPLE, 15 Apr. 2026
  • From postpartum recovery to nursing know-hows, here are the winners of Parents Best for Baby Awards for new and expectant parents.
    Pamela Brill, Parents, 7 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • The birds will grow up fast and fledge the nest about 40 days after hatching.
    Madeline Bartos, CBS News, 27 Apr. 2026
  • The power struggle swirls around the saintly, ineffectual King Henry until gradually the dynamic York, who has pretended to support Margaret while secretly hatching his own plot, emerges as the chief contender for the throne.
    Gitanjali Roy, Encyclopedia Britannica, 23 Apr. 2026

Cite this Entry

“Brooding.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/brooding. Accessed 1 May. 2026.

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