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 Kelly quickly pondered what to call in that moment and again went back to the slider to put away Stephenson. Meghan Montemurro, Chicago Tribune, 7 Aug. 2025 Stations in southeast Michigan, the UP and central and western Michigan are also nervously pondering their budgets. Julie Hinds, Freep.com, 7 Aug. 2025 When the Germany international was pondering his next move after deciding to leave Bayer Leverkusen, he was blown away by the scenes at Anfield during the title celebrations and during the trophy parade when more than a million fans lined the streets of the city. James Pearce, New York Times, 31 July 2025 This is hard science fiction that ponders monumental questions about loyalty, technology and who (or what) deserves to survive. Dave Nemetz, TVLine, 6 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for ponder
Recent Examples of Synonyms for ponder
Verb
  • The bottom line is downright depressing: short of a direct U.S. military intervention that no serious analyst would contemplate, Trump’s toolkit to will a Ukraine peace deal into existence is bare.
    Daniel DePetris, Time, 7 Aug. 2025
  • Hodges has been contemplating his future, talking with God to figure things out.
    La Risa R. Lynch, jsonline.com, 7 Aug. 2025
Verb
  • Intersex people have variations in chromosomes, hormone levels or anatomy that differ from what’s considered typical for male and female bodies.
    Lisa Song, ProPublica, 7 Aug. 2025
  • As Rolling Stone has previously reported, Trump administration officials have considered everything from sending in special-ops soldiers to assassinate cartel leaders to using drones or other military aircraft to conduct air strikes on cartel infrastructure and drug labs.
    Jesse Hyde, Rolling Stone, 7 Aug. 2025
Verb
  • Yet, Trump’s measured tone with Zelenskyy and willingness to entertain significant U.S. involvement in a post-war security arrangement were notable after his chummy summit with Putin, heartening supporters of Ukraine.
    Zac Anderson, USA Today, 19 Aug. 2025
  • But what may have shifted is President Donald Trump's patience to entertain steadfast Russian demands.
    Ellie Cook, MSNBC Newsweek, 17 Aug. 2025
Verb
  • Ohio lawmakers debated everything from home grow restrictions to penalizing passengers who smoke in the car.
    Haley BeMiller, The Enquirer, 17 Aug. 2025
  • And Just Like That … Club, our subscriber-exclusive newsletter obsessing over, dissecting, and debating everything about season three.
    Maggie Fremont, Vulture, 15 Aug. 2025
Verb
  • As the Free Press reported in June, Farley and Ford's executive leadership team went to China earlier this year with an agenda: to study every aspect of how Chinese auto companies operate, then apply those lessons across Ford in its other markets.
    Jamie L. LaReau, Freep.com, 9 Aug. 2025
  • Ashlynn began studying mass communication and media studies at LSU in 2023, where she's set to graduate in 2027, according to her LinkedIn.
    Adam England, People.com, 8 Aug. 2025
Verb
  • The crowd also questioned the president's approach to immigration enforcement.
    Brittney Melton, NPR, 7 Aug. 2025
  • Parents had questioned the safety of the roof installation and associated smells, prompting the district to conduct air quality tests, according to an Aug. 1 letter to parents.
    Erick Trevino, AZCentral.com, 7 Aug. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Ponder.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/ponder. Accessed 23 Aug. 2025.

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