ponder

verb

pon·​der ˈpän-dər How to pronounce ponder (audio)
pondered; pondering ˈpän-d(ə-)riŋ How to pronounce ponder (audio)

transitive verb

1
: to weigh in the mind : appraise
pondered their chances of success
2
: to think about : reflect on
pondered the events of the day

intransitive verb

: to think or consider especially quietly, soberly, and deeply
ponderer noun
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 1784, Franklin pondered the shift to rising earlier in a satirical letter to the editor of the Journal of Paris, adding that doing so would decrease the use of candles and save money. Brianna Taylor, Sacramento Bee, 6 Mar. 2024 Each is pondering succession plans and dealing with changing seasons in their lives. Randy Myers, The Mercury News, 5 Mar. 2024 Jolted by the violence against secular communities along the Gaza border, and moved by the thousands of reservists responding to military call-ups, Ms. Irom pondered how to reach across the social divide. Natan Odenheimer, New York Times, 4 Mar. 2024 Several biographers have noted that while on tour, Marley would often withdraw to a secluded spot on his bus to ponder scripture. John Blake, CNN, 3 Mar. 2024 Haley’s future political ambitions Some political strategists and pundits have pondered whether Haley has an ulterior motive for sticking it out against Trump. Karissa Waddick, USA TODAY, 25 Feb. 2024 After that, and after considerable pondering, only one word remained: apart for the win! Erik Kain, Forbes, 22 Feb. 2024 But make no mistake: whether one cares about the future of democracy in Asia or prefers to ponder only the cold math of realpolitik, Taiwan’s fate matters. Andrew S. Erickson, Foreign Affairs, 16 Feb. 2024 Throughout, the band specializes in bright, energetic songs with lyrics pondering the less sunny facets of love, loss, and longing. Tess Growney, SPIN, 15 Feb. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'ponder.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

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

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of ponder was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near ponder

Cite this Entry

“Ponder.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ponder. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

ponder

verb
pon·​der ˈpän-dər How to pronounce ponder (audio)
pondered; pondering -d(ə-)riŋ How to pronounce ponder (audio)
: to consider carefully
ponderer noun

More from Merriam-Webster on ponder

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!