ponder

verb

pon·​der ˈpän-dər 

pondered; pondering ˈpän-d(ə-)riŋ 

transitive verb

1

: to think about : reflect on

pondered the events of the day

Few other programs in recent years have prompted viewers to laugh, cry, and ponder big topics and cultural norms …

—Rivea Ruff

[Psychologist Jonathan] Smallwood learned that unhappy minds tend to wander in the past, while happy minds often ponder the future.

—Tim Vernimmen

2

: to weigh in the mind : evaluate, appraise

The team pondered their chances of success.

intransitive verb

: to think or consider especially quietly, soberly, and deeply

paused to ponder on the situation

We pondered over/about what to do.

ponderer

ˈpän-dər-ər 

noun

Synonyms of ponder

• contemplate
• consider
• entertain
• debate
• study
• question

Choose the Right Synonym for ponder

ponder, meditate, muse, ruminate 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

meditate implies a definite focusing of one's thoughts on something so as to understand it deeply.

meditated on the meaning of life

muse suggests a more or less focused daydreaming as in remembrance.

mused upon childhood joys

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

Examples of ponder in a Sentence

He pondered the question before he answered.

The team pondered their chances of success.

We pondered whether we could afford the trip.

Recent Examples on the Web

In the stands, fans murmured beneath their breath, wondering what new math the Kiffin’s successor could be pondering. — Dana O’Neil, CNN Money, 20 Sep. 2026

For those pondering upgrades, Apple has laid a strong foundation with its hardware for some ambitious features down the road. — Victoria Song, The Verge, 17 Sep. 2026

The bottom line There is no universal answer for savers pondering whether a CD or high-yield savings account is the right choice for them now, after the first interest rate hike from the Federal Reserve in more than three years. — Matt Richardson, CBS News, 16 Sep. 2026

In the Reliant Stadium visitors’ locker room Sunday afternoon, Moore leaned against a door and pondered what his debut might mean for the 2026 season. — Tim Graham, New York Times, 14 Sep. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Middle French ponderer, from Latin ponderare to weigh, ponder, from ponder-, pondus weight — more at pendant entry 1

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 2

Rhymes for ponder

• condor
• fonder
• launder
• mandir
• maunder
• squander
• wander
• yonder
• responder
• transponder

Kids Definition

ponder

verb

pon·​der ˈpän-dər 

pondered; pondering -d(ə-)riŋ 

: to consider carefully

ponderer

-dər-ər 

noun