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 Daikon ponders whether what’s best in humanity is found only in its darkest moments. Gabrielle Bellot, Literary Hub, 8 July 2025 The modern 55 and older homebuyer isn’t looking to sit all day on a recliner pondering our end of life options. Jamie Gold, Forbes.com, 1 July 2025 The two countries have been engaged in aerial strikes and Trump had been pondering U.S. involvement for the past week. Swapna Venugopal Ramaswamy, USA Today, 23 June 2025 But the two new cardinals that Aguilera was pondering in the Arctic cold behaved oddly. Gregory Barber, Quanta Magazine, 20 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for ponder
Recent Examples of Synonyms for ponder
Verb
  • Based on historical probabilities, traders may contemplate taking a position prior to the earnings announcement.
    Trefis Team, Forbes.com, 28 July 2025
  • Don't forget outlier contests and Harris' possible return in California One feature of the 2026 gubernatorial races could be the return of Kamala Harris to the national stage, as the former vice president continues to contemplate a run for California governor.
    Phillip M. Bailey, USA Today, 27 July 2025
Verb
  • City officials are considering reinstating youth curfews, cracking down on problematic businesses, and holding parents accountable for their children's actions.
    David Ferrara, The Enquirer, 30 July 2025
  • While some customers remain loyal, others are considering switching brands due to ongoing quality issues.
    Jamie L. LaReau, Freep.com, 30 July 2025
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.
    Ray Padilla, The Courier-Journal, 26 July 2025
  • Mole Man / Harvey Elder has some scenes played by the always entertaining Paul Walter Hauser.
    Erik Kain, Forbes.com, 26 July 2025
Verb
  • In fact, as the country debates effective severe weather warning protocols in the aftermath of deadly flash flooding in Texas, the siren community has been vocal about their usefulness.
    Claudia Levens, jsonline.com, 25 July 2025
  • Each body will debate their respective positions, before the three enter into a trilogue to come to a final proposal.
    Jon McGowan, Forbes.com, 24 July 2025
Verb
  • Some of that progress is fueled by Chinese scientists who studied or worked in the U.S. and then moved back to China– just like Xia did.
    Kerry A. Dolan, Forbes.com, 16 July 2025
  • And many people who study emergency response agree that, to some degree, the agency needs reform.
    Zoë Schlanger, The Atlantic, 15 July 2025
Verb
  • Other residents questioned why concerns about possible adverse health effects were not factored into the decision on whether to proceed with the new tower.
    Daniel I. Dorfman, Chicago Tribune, 14 July 2025
  • Carlson questioned why Epstein had never been asked about a connection with Barak or Mossad.
    Solcyré Burga, Time, 14 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Ponder.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/ponder. Accessed 1 Aug. 2025.

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