as in pondering
to give serious and careful thought to
the minister hoped that the congregation would spend the remainder of the week ruminating the message of his sermon
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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 ruminating
Marin directed some of his ire at Esalen, the epicenter of the Human Potential Movement and the playground, its critics scoffed, of those privileged enough to spend their days ruminating over the self.
—
Literary Hub, 29 Apr. 2026
Ricky Gervais will be in attendance to give a masterclass as creator and director of Netflix’s Alley Cats, the adult animation following a group of feral cats who seek companionship while ruminating on everyday life, accompanied by a sneak peek of the first two episodes.
—Melanie Goodfellow, Deadline, 28 Apr. 2026
But Gernsback's innovation of collecting previously-diffuse bits of literature ruminating on scientific discovery or technological advancement in one place proved to be an idea with staying power.
—Chris Klimek, NPR, 25 Apr. 2026
Boston, who serves as showrunner, creator, writer, and executive producer of the series has been ruminating on its terrors and delights for awhile now.
—Kate Erbland, IndieWire, 27 Mar. 2026
The musical reimagines the Greek myths while ruminating on greed, labor and love.
—Domenica Bongiovanni, IndyStar, 25 Mar. 2026
The shooter appears to have been ruminating on the event since at least 2016, according to prosecutors at the time.
—Emma Tucker, CNN Money, 13 Mar. 2026
If your friend or family member is struggling to keep up with daily responsibilities, constantly ruminating about relationship issues, or expressing a sense of hopelessness, consider bringing it up, says Francesca Emma, a therapist in New York.
—Angela Haupt, Time, 24 Feb. 2026
Instead of ruminating in your head, Burns suggests writing things down so your mind can unwind.
—Caroline Lubinsky, Martha Stewart, 16 Feb. 2026
Literary Hub, 29 Apr. 2026
Ricky Gervais will be in attendance to give a masterclass as creator and director of Netflix’s Alley Cats, the adult animation following a group of feral cats who seek companionship while ruminating on everyday life, accompanied by a sneak peek of the first two episodes.
—Melanie Goodfellow, Deadline, 28 Apr. 2026
But Gernsback's innovation of collecting previously-diffuse bits of literature ruminating on scientific discovery or technological advancement in one place proved to be an idea with staying power.
—Chris Klimek, NPR, 25 Apr. 2026
Boston, who serves as showrunner, creator, writer, and executive producer of the series has been ruminating on its terrors and delights for awhile now.
—Kate Erbland, IndieWire, 27 Mar. 2026
The musical reimagines the Greek myths while ruminating on greed, labor and love.
—Domenica Bongiovanni, IndyStar, 25 Mar. 2026
The shooter appears to have been ruminating on the event since at least 2016, according to prosecutors at the time.
—Emma Tucker, CNN Money, 13 Mar. 2026
If your friend or family member is struggling to keep up with daily responsibilities, constantly ruminating about relationship issues, or expressing a sense of hopelessness, consider bringing it up, says Francesca Emma, a therapist in New York.
—Angela Haupt, Time, 24 Feb. 2026
Instead of ruminating in your head, Burns suggests writing things down so your mind can unwind.
—Caroline Lubinsky, Martha Stewart, 16 Feb. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for ruminating
Verb
-
The two-term governor, who is seeking a third term in November while pondering a potential 2028 White House bid, is viewed favorably by 68% of Chicagoans and unfavorably by 20%.—
Rick Pearson,
Chicago Tribune,
27 Apr. 2026
-
Gary Thuerk, of the Digital Equipment Corporation (DEC), was pondering how to advertise upcoming demonstrations in California of his company’s latest computers.—
Encyclopedia Britannica,
Encyclopedia Britannica,
27 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
Many companies have filed lawsuits seeking refunds and companies are contemplating the impact this would have on shareholders.—
Amanda Gerut,
Fortune,
29 Apr. 2026
-
California is contemplating a one-time, 5 percent levy on the state’s billionaires—200 or so people in a population of 40 million.—
Annie Lowrey,
The Atlantic,
28 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
Idaho lawmakers spent hours debating a surge in rodents menacing Boise-area gardens and kitchens and threatening agriculture and public health.—
Karin Brulliard,
Washington Post,
25 Apr. 2026
-
The hoods might just as well evoke the garb of Christian monks debating whether the soul is distinct from the body.—
Dawn Chan,
The New York Review of Books,
25 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
Safety and Clinic Standards Safety is often one of the first concerns people have when considering treatment abroad.—
Wyles Daniel,
USA Today,
29 Apr. 2026
-
Van Bendegem, who would become a leading scholar on ultrafinitist logic, later addressed these concerns by considering a geometry in which a line or curve has width and is both finite and finitely divisible.—
Quanta Magazine,
Quanta Magazine,
29 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
Limon was studying geography, environmental science and policy, and Bristy is studying chemical engineering.—
Claudia Lauer,
Sun Sentinel,
24 Apr. 2026
-
Show more Yazbek is studying medicine and is living with her family among strangers in the refugee camp, trying to study on her iPad while kids play tag in the halls.—
NBC News,
NBC news,
24 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
For entertaining larger groups, pick up this six-person set that comes with a sofa, loveseat, and club chair, all complete with comfy cushions.—
Shea Simmons,
Southern Living,
27 Apr. 2026
-
Additionally, some lawmakers are entertaining ridiculous tax incentives for companies.—
DP Opinion,
Denver Post,
25 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
The aggressive political gains DeSantis and Republicans seek also have some in the party questioning whether the new map would put GOP incumbents at risk of losing future elections.—
Elizabeth Robinson,
NBC news,
28 Apr. 2026
-
Despite the apology, Camp Mystic’s plans to reopen in late May with nearly 900 girls have angered victims’ families, and state officials are questioning whether the license should be renewed.—
Jim Vertuno,
Los Angeles Times,
28 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
Missouri faces a legal battle over a referendum to redraw one key district even before weighing changes under the Supreme Court’s decision.—
Bart Jansen,
USA Today,
30 Apr. 2026
-
Atmos Rewards members can pack up to 12 bottles in a box or case weighing 50 pounds or less.—
Hali Smith,
Sacbee.com,
30 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Ruminating.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/ruminating. Accessed 1 May. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
