pondered; pondering
ˈpän-d(ə-)riŋ 
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
Rivea Ruff[Psychologist Jonathan] Smallwood learned that unhappy minds tend to wander in the past, while happy minds often ponder the future.—Tim Vernimmen
Tim Vernimmen
: to think or consider especially quietly, soberly, and deeply
paused to ponder on the situation
We pondered over/about what to do.
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
Duke then got another question (one that saw Washington ponder thoughtfully about the longevity of his performances).
—Alex Ritman, Variety, 15 Apr. 2026
As coach John Hynes ponders his Game 1 starter, the recent numbers will show that Wallstedt has allowed a total of four goals in his final two regular-season starts, while veteran Filip Gustavsson has been touched for 10 in the same span.
—Jess Myers, Twin Cities, 15 Apr. 2026
As Colorado’s river rafting outfitters ponder the threat of ongoing drought and record low snowpack on their businesses this summer, memories from the difficult summer of 2002 have been on their minds.
—John Meyer, Denver Post, 13 Apr. 2026
Leaders and others in these communities have often spoken out against violence as a solution, while warning that pondering existential and nightmarish scenarios can overwhelm and destabilize vulnerable people.
—St. John Barned-Smith, San Francisco Chronicle, 12 Apr. 2026
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Alex Ritman, Variety, 15 Apr. 2026
As coach John Hynes ponders his Game 1 starter, the recent numbers will show that Wallstedt has allowed a total of four goals in his final two regular-season starts, while veteran Filip Gustavsson has been touched for 10 in the same span.
—Jess Myers, Twin Cities, 15 Apr. 2026
As Colorado’s river rafting outfitters ponder the threat of ongoing drought and record low snowpack on their businesses this summer, memories from the difficult summer of 2002 have been on their minds.
—John Meyer, Denver Post, 13 Apr. 2026
Leaders and others in these communities have often spoken out against violence as a solution, while warning that pondering existential and nightmarish scenarios can overwhelm and destabilize vulnerable people.
—St. John Barned-Smith, San Francisco Chronicle, 12 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for ponder
Cite this Entry
“Ponder.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ponder. Accessed 17 Apr. 2026.
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