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
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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
Over a mashup of fiddles and guitars, Tod and Jennings blend their rough-hewn voices on a song about consequences for older vices and choices, pondering when the consequences of those actions outweigh the vices themselves.
—
Jessica Nicholson, Billboard, 29 Sep. 2025
Leonardo DiCaprio has longtime fans pondering if a former teen heartthrob by any other name is still just as famous.
—Glenn Garner, Deadline, 24 Sep. 2025
These are all questions to ponder when evaluating expertise as a leader.
—Barbara Puszkiewicz-Cimino, Forbes.com, 18 Sep. 2025
Figuring out how to manage and reduce stress is always a question worth pondering.
—Helen Carefoot, Flow Space, 17 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for ponder
Jessica Nicholson, Billboard, 29 Sep. 2025
Leonardo DiCaprio has longtime fans pondering if a former teen heartthrob by any other name is still just as famous.
—Glenn Garner, Deadline, 24 Sep. 2025
These are all questions to ponder when evaluating expertise as a leader.
—Barbara Puszkiewicz-Cimino, Forbes.com, 18 Sep. 2025
Figuring out how to manage and reduce stress is always a question worth pondering.
—Helen Carefoot, Flow Space, 17 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for ponder
Recent Examples of Synonyms for ponder
Verb
-
Judge Stanley Blumenfeld agreed to extend the trial date, originally contemplated for next August, to October 2026.—
Gene Maddaus,
Variety,
9 Oct. 2025
-
Before Microsoft changed its plans, Martin was contemplating a motion to delay the Village Board rezoning vote at least six months so village officials could gather more information.—
Ricardo Torres,
jsonline.com,
9 Oct. 2025
Verb
-
Bendicksen, the center’s director of wildlife rehabilitation, decided to attempt something few would consider, a wing transplant.—
Aamir Khollam,
Interesting Engineering,
11 Oct. 2025
-
Even though there is risk that would come with the move, the Saints should consider it if the option presents itself.—
Evan Massey,
MSNBC Newsweek,
11 Oct. 2025
Verb
-
For someone who has asked countless questions of countless people, Hersh proved less than eager to entertain personal inquiries.—
Matthew Carey,
Deadline,
8 Oct. 2025
-
Shackleton may have made a mistake in the outdoors, and the amazing story of his getting back on track entertained millions of people for a century afterward.—
Frederick Dreier,
Outside,
7 Oct. 2025
Verb
-
Geologists debate boundaries of the ring of fire While geologists widely agree upon most regions within the Pacific Ring of Fire, several areas remain subject to debate.—
Shane Croucher,
MSNBC Newsweek,
10 Oct. 2025
-
With the nation's 250th anniversary approaching, many teachers, parents and politicians are debating the best ways for students to learn about American history.—
Cory Turner,
NPR,
10 Oct. 2025
Verb
-
It was originally intended to protect electricity ratepayers from having to shoulder the costs of data centers in their communities, but now simply authorizes the Public Utilities Commission to study whether the cost-shift is happening.—
Kate Wolffe,
Sacbee.com,
12 Oct. 2025
-
Researchers behind the latest science studied 90 participants with major depressive disorder and found lower LDAEP measures (which means higher serotonin levels) predicted orgasmic dysfunction from eight weeks of treatment with escitalopram with 87% accuracy.—
Kristen Rogers,
CNN Money,
12 Oct. 2025
Verb
-
Canales’ trust in Young growing A week after Dave Canales called a couple of running plays on third-and-long — prompting a veteran coach with another team to question Canales’ faith in his quarterback — Canales was more aggressive with his play calling with the game on the line.—
Joseph Person,
New York Times,
7 Oct. 2025
-
Once Gein's crimes came to light, he was questioned about a number of additional disappearances in the region.—
JR Radcliffe,
jsonline.com,
6 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Ponder.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/ponder. Accessed 14 Oct. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share