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 But other than Harold Levinson’s apparently important appearance, there’s only so much else to ponder in this short clip. Jennifer Zhan, Vulture, 3 June 2025 The sweet and funny musical asks us to ponder: Is love worth the risk of certain heartbreak? Greg Evans, Deadline, 2 June 2025 Tyler Dragon ponders if Rodgers actually makes the Steelers better. Jim Reineking, USA Today, 7 June 2025 Tatis pondered the question of whether being hit has affected his hitting in any way. Kevin Acee, San Diego Union-Tribune, 4 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for ponder
Recent Examples of Synonyms for ponder
Verb
  • Yet Trump, whose administration had entered into talks with Iran aimed at reaching an agreement on the country's nuclear program, has backed the Israeli offensive and has openly contemplated joining the Israeli campaign through strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities.
    Tom O'Connor, MSNBC Newsweek, 21 June 2025
  • Then again, living in New York City, there aren't many opportunities to contemplate camel textures.
    Matt Dutile, Travel + Leisure, 21 June 2025
Verb
  • There’s also the unique geopolitical role of Qatar to consider.
    Robert Rapier, Forbes.com, 23 June 2025
  • Many consider the cases to be politically motivated, although Erdogan’s government contends that the courts are impartial and free of political involvement.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 23 June 2025
Verb
  • Being able to bring authentic mental health stories to life in a way that both resonates and entertains is an increasingly valuable skill, and one that can set you apart in today’s media landscape.
    Mena Mirhom, Forbes.com, 19 June 2025
  • Hairpin turns and stressful pit stops go a long way toward entertaining F1 fans and neophytes alike, though melodrama and a bloated run time put the brakes on what should be a film that zips.
    Brian Truitt, USA Today, 18 June 2025
Verb
  • What also was achieved overnight from late Saturday evening until Sunday afternoon was the end of the road for Thom Tillis, the North Carolina Republican who voted against debating the bill and brought on the wrath of Trump promising a GOP primary next year.
    New York Daily News Editorial Board, New York Daily News, 30 June 2025
  • The extent of the damage to Tehran’s nuclear program has been hotly debated ever since.
    Laura Sharman, CNN Money, 30 June 2025
Verb
  • Rebecca studied English and art history at Cornell University and served in the Peace Corps in Thailand.
    Rebecca Grant June 24, Literary Hub, 24 June 2025
  • Born and raised in Seoul, Kim studied character animation at the California Institute of the Arts (CalArts).
    Lisa Boone, Los Angeles Times, 24 June 2025
Verb
  • But an analysis of new data from Hubble and the European Space Agency’s Gaia Space Telescope has caused researchers to question that time frame.
    Avery Hurt, Discover Magazine, 21 June 2025
  • Skeptics will point to his physical issues and question his fit outside the Warriors’ unique system.
    John Hollinger, New York Times, 21 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Ponder.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/ponder. Accessed 3 Jul. 2025.

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