PONDER Synonyms: 55 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

ponder

verb

ˈpän-dər

Definition of ponder next

as in to contemplate

to give serious and careful thought to I'm pondering whether or not I should join another committee

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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

Examples 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 Chalamet spends an hour in the house, sitting in the very bedroom where a young Robert Zimmerman gazed out at snowy ground and pondered his future. —

Brian Hiatt, Rolling Stone, 18 Nov. 2024 Gallego’s better standing with Arizona voters is more than a mirror image of Republican Kari Lake’s relatively weak pull with GOP voters and will invite extra scrutiny as Democrats ponder their future after an electoral beating. —

Ronald J. Hansen, The Arizona Republic, 9 Nov. 2024 According to Manville, there are plenty other issues to ponder amid the uncertainty of a second season of Grotesquerie. —

Brande Victorian, The Hollywood Reporter, 1 Nov. 2024 Kate also continues to ponder putting her hat in the ring for the job of vice president of the United States. —

Dana Rose Falcone, People.com, 29 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for ponder

Recent Examples of Synonyms for ponder

Verb

George Lucas — a longtime friend of Murch’s, with the pair having written Lucas’ first film, THX 1138 — was brought to the London set as the team contemplated replacing Murch.

Ryan Gajewski, The Hollywood Reporter, 22 Nov. 2024
In another curious assemblage, a man dressed to the nines contemplates the gorgeous beauty of a Laura Wheeler Waring portrait.

Essence, Essence, 5 Nov. 2024