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.

The mind can become trapped in narrow loops of worry and rumination, or it can move outward, forming new associations and imagining multiple future possibilities.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 3, 2026

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

Wareheim is just as interested in rumination as recipe.

From Los Angeles Times • Oct. 31, 2025

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

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

From "Native Speaker" by Chang-rae Lee

Vocabulary lists containing rumination

In Cold Blood

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30 GRE Words Beginning with "Q" "R" and "S"

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Talk Like Shakespeare Day, List 7

Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!