Definition of pondernext

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 Its lessons are ones Republicans should ponder — and fast. Stephen Mihm, Twin Cities, 8 Feb. 2026 But aside from that, there’s not much for manager Aaron Boone to ponder. Brendan Kuty, New York Times, 5 Feb. 2026 Its lessons are ones Republicans should ponder — and fast. Stephen Mihm, Mercury News, 5 Feb. 2026 The Royals pondered whether to non-tender India this offseason. Kansas City Star, 4 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for ponder
Recent Examples of Synonyms for ponder
Verb
  • By the slice Investors dominate housing in some of California’s most lightly populated counties when contemplating the share of houses not occupied by their owners.
    Jonathan Lansner, Oc Register, 14 Feb. 2026
  • Inside the private room of a Country Club Plaza steakhouse, top officials from the England national team contemplated their World Cup future.
    Sam McDowell Updated February 13, Kansas City Star, 13 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • To strengthen the economy, Texas must rein in local spending, increase transparency, expand audits of cities, counties, and universities, and consider local spending caps so taxpayers aren’t saddled with unsustainable obligations.
    Eleanor Dearman, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 14 Feb. 2026
  • Though she initially was considered missing, the urgency to quickly find Guthrie pulsed through the first days of media coverage because of her heart condition.
    Hannah Fry, Los Angeles Times, 14 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • For families La Sultana Oualidia welcomes guests of all ages, and offers a diverse range of activities to keep younger travelers entertained.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 18 Feb. 2026
  • If the federal government would stop putting on a violent show intended to suppress opposition and entertain their true believers, Pretti and Good would be alive.
    DP Opinion, Denver Post, 18 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • Policymakers are interested too, debating whether public policy and taxpayer money should be used to propel off-site construction from niche application to a regular, if not dominant, feature of the industry.
    Ben Christopher, Los Angeles Times, 14 Feb. 2026
  • While many countries still debate how electric air travel should work, China is already laying the foundation.
    Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 14 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • At the time of his death, he was focused on studying comets and astroids that could pose a hazard to Earth.
    Clara Harter, Los Angeles Times, 20 Feb. 2026
  • The team studied how Fe-SMA bonds with UHPFRC, and attempted to combine the two materials.
    Georgina Jedikovska, Interesting Engineering, 19 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • The first inkling of the government questioning the DHS account came from the US Department of Justice.
    Emma Tucker, CNN Money, 15 Feb. 2026
  • The planned 90,000-square-foot project would represent the most significant change to the White House grounds in decades and is advancing even as it is challenged in court and questioned on Capitol Hill.
    Dan Diamond, Washington Post, 14 Feb. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Ponder.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/ponder. Accessed 21 Feb. 2026.

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