Definition of pondernext

Synonym Chooser

How is the word ponder different from other verbs like it?

Some common synonyms of ponder are meditate, muse, and ruminate. While all these words mean "to consider or examine attentively or deliberately," ponder implies a careful weighing of a problem or, often, prolonged inconclusive thinking about a matter.

pondered the course of action

In what contexts can meditate take the place of ponder?

While the synonyms meditate and ponder are close in meaning, meditate implies a definite focusing of one's thoughts on something so as to understand it deeply.

meditated on the meaning of life

When would muse be a good substitute for ponder?

The synonyms muse and ponder are sometimes interchangeable, but muse suggests a more or less focused daydreaming as in remembrance.

mused upon childhood joys

When is it sensible to use ruminate instead of ponder?

The words ruminate and ponder are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, ruminate implies going over the same matter in one's thoughts again and again but suggests little of either purposive thinking or rapt absorption.

ruminated on past disappointments

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 ponder That’s a question Michigan’s decision-makers will have to ponder. Austin Meek, New York Times, 23 June 2026 Starmer spent the weekend pondering his future following Burnham’s special election victory. Jill Lawless, Chicago Tribune, 22 June 2026 Starmer spent the weekend pondering his future following Burnham's special election victory. ABC News, 22 June 2026 Even the most technology-savvy leaders are still pondering and probing where the ceiling is in terms of containing agent sprawl and complexity. Joe McKendrick, Forbes.com, 19 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for ponder
Recent Examples of Synonyms for ponder
Verb
  • The effect of Greenspan’s artistry was to alter permanently the way the capital markets function, and to extend the Fed’s influence more deeply into the economy than Congress ever contemplated – and certainly far beyond any Constitutional remit.
    George Calhoun, Forbes.com, 26 June 2026
  • At one point officials were contemplating a proposal for a hotel along with newer retail, and only three years ago paid a $2 million settlement to a previous developer who accused the town of reneging on a deal.
    Don Stacom, Hartford Courant, 25 June 2026
Verb
  • Aid groups consider the first 48 to 72 hours after a disaster to be the most critical window for finding survivors, though access to food and water can extend that period.
    Michael Sinkewicz, FOXNews.com, 28 June 2026
  • Should Portugal have rested Ronaldo against Colombia, considering Portugal entered Saturday’s match already assured of advancing to the knockout stage?
    Anthony Chiang June 27, Miami Herald, 28 June 2026
Verb
  • The material contained on this site is intended to inform, entertain and educate the reader and in no way represents an inducement to gamble legally or illegally or any sort of professional advice.
    Mary Walrath-Holdridge, USA Today, 23 June 2026
  • These series are designed to entertain and intrigue viewers, while letting advertisers spur purchases and sales,.
    Brian Steinberg, Variety, 23 June 2026
Verb
  • Sure, it can certainly be debated if Marathon being revived after all this time as an extraction shooter was the right call.
    Paul Tassi, Forbes.com, 27 June 2026
  • As Florida lawmakers continue to debate healthcare affordability and patient protections, this is an issue that deserves urgent attention.
    Karen Arace, The Orlando Sentinel, 27 June 2026
Verb
  • Lara Schwarz studies the effect of wildfires and heat waves on public health at UC Berkeley.
    Tarini Mehta, Sacbee.com, 26 June 2026
  • Supporters argue the Bible should be studied as an essential literary text that can help students understand Western history and the founding of the US.
    Elizabeth Wolfe, CNN Money, 26 June 2026
Verb
  • Americans question the costs The Iran war has cost the average American household between $775 and $1,300 so far in fuel and taxpayer costs, according to an analysis by Roger Pielke, a senior fellow at the American Enterprise Institute.
    Justine McDaniel, Los Angeles Times, 28 June 2026
  • In a previous statement to Fox News Digital, Union County Prosecutors Office Public Information Officer Lauren Farinas said Battiloro was detained for questioning after the incident and later released.
    Michael Sinkewicz, FOXNews.com, 27 June 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Ponder.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/ponder. Accessed 30 Jun. 2026.

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