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.

“This season has reminded me, very clearly, how important it is to slow down, prioritize what truly matters, and allow ourselves moments of rest,” she captioned a photo of herself sitting pensively on a couch.

From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 27, 2026

Pulling up his laptop, Dallas shows off the art for a single: On a majestic winding Italian road, ian perches pensively on a white moped, in an all-white yacht outfit, barefoot.

From The Wall Street Journal • Oct. 26, 2025

One of the animals raises her head over her enclosure and gazes pensively at me, her widely spaced eyes and odd, rectangular pupils seeking to make contact—and perhaps even connection.

From Science Magazine • Dec. 7, 2023

"I can't explain how important this choir is to me. I have been a member for 46 years, " he said, before pausing and adding pensively, "but then I suppose it comes to us all".

From BBC • May 12, 2022

Meyer leaned back and stared at the ceiling pensively.

From "The Hiding Place" by Corrie ten Boom