Thesaurus.com
Dictionary.com
Showing results for rumination. Search instead for ruminatio.
Definitions

rumination

[roo-muh-ney-shuhn] / ˌru məˈneɪ ʃən /
NOUN
thought
Synonyms
STRONGEST
meditation reflection
STRONG
anticipation attention cerebration cogitation cognition consideration contemplation deduction deliberation deriving excogitation heed hope ideation inducing introspection intuition judging knowing logic musing rationalization reasoning regard scrutiny seeing speculation study theorization thinking understanding
WEAK
apprehending brainwork concluding considering deducing discerning inferring perceiving rationalizing realizing
Antonyms
STRONG
disbelief disdain disregard disrespect heedlessness ignorance neglect negligence thoughtlessness

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Yet the theme of human sacrifice persisted as a subject for deep rumination even after advances in science, industry and wealth insulated the West’s creative classes from ancient and medieval rites.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 25, 2026

And it’s staged in a location perfect for rumination.

From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 21, 2026

It was only when her sister heard it and commented on the lyrics that she realised it was really a rumination on death.

From BBC • Oct. 15, 2025

The researchers also found that these changes are associated with rumination, a part of the diagnostic criteria for conditions affecting mental health, such as depression and anxiety.

From Science Daily • Jun. 5, 2024

That familiar exercise of hers, half rumination, half anxiety.

From "Native Speaker" by Chang-rae Lee