as in melancholy
given to or marked by long, quiet thinking
rainy days often put her in a pensive mood
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Examples 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 pensive
David's more reserved, pensive demeanor is no match for Benji's charm and charisma — much of which is masking his struggles with his mental health.
—
Ew Staff, EW.com, 24 Oct. 2024
As the title suggests, this is a show of reflection in every sense of the word, pensive but ultimately optimistic.
—Joanne Shurvell, Forbes, 24 Sep. 2024
Her expression is at once nervy and pensive, the scholar and the militant in full and equal view.
—Hazlitt, 4 Sep. 2024
The other key asset to the film is Warren Ellis’ score, which starts out pensive and quietly troubling before shifting almost imperceptibly into a much more emotional vein with the surge of feeling that accompanies the forward time jumps.
—David Rooney, The Hollywood Reporter, 1 Sep. 2024
See all Example Sentences for pensive 
Ew Staff, EW.com, 24 Oct. 2024
As the title suggests, this is a show of reflection in every sense of the word, pensive but ultimately optimistic.
—Joanne Shurvell, Forbes, 24 Sep. 2024
Her expression is at once nervy and pensive, the scholar and the militant in full and equal view.
—Hazlitt, 4 Sep. 2024
The other key asset to the film is Warren Ellis’ score, which starts out pensive and quietly troubling before shifting almost imperceptibly into a much more emotional vein with the surge of feeling that accompanies the forward time jumps.
—David Rooney, The Hollywood Reporter, 1 Sep. 2024
See all Example Sentences for pensive
Recent Examples of Synonyms for pensive
Adjective
-
In 2020, Rateliff released a solo album, his third overall and his first since starting the Night Sweats, with a more melancholy sound that recalled his early-career work.Jared Kaufman, Twin Cities, 4 Nov. 2024
-
Most notable within Jones’ theme is the use of vibraphone when set against his orchestra’s melancholy strings.A.D. Amorosi, Variety, 4 Nov. 2024
Adjective
-
Photo: Lauren Trujillo The thoughtful fashion didn’t end at the red carpet, either.Christian Allaire, Vogue, 22 Nov. 2024
-
Perfect pairings: As an Eau de Toilette, Cherry Blossom benefits significantly from thoughtful layering to enhance its delicate nature and extend its presence throughout the day.Kimberly Wilson, Essence, 22 Nov. 2024
Adjective
-
For example, bullet journaling, reflective journaling, junk journaling, gratitude journaling and freewriting.Noma Nazish, Forbes, 4 Nov. 2024
-
That’s reflective of the current Pope Francis, who’s been largely commended for his liberal viewpoints.Ryan Lattanzio, IndieWire, 1 Nov. 2024
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
Adjective
-
Lego Horizon Adventures, available for PlayStation 5, Nintendo Switch and PC, rebuilds 2017's Horizon Zero Dawn in the Lego universe, transforming the somber and complex Horizon into something simpler, a bit sillier and more kid-friendly.Felecia Wellington Radel, USA TODAY, 21 Nov. 2024
-
This seems to be part of the reason The City and Its Uncertain Walls is such an unnaturally somber book.Bailey Trela, Vulture, 19 Nov. 2024
Thesaurus Entries Near pensive
Cite this Entry
“Pensive.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/pensive. Accessed 28 Nov. 2024.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share