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 That’s a question Michigan’s decision-makers will have to ponder. Austin Meek, New York Times, 23 June 2026 Starmer spent the weekend pondering his future following Burnham’s special election victory. Jill Lawless, Chicago Tribune, 22 June 2026 Starmer spent the weekend pondering his future following Burnham's special election victory. ABC News, 22 June 2026 Even the most technology-savvy leaders are still pondering and probing where the ceiling is in terms of containing agent sprawl and complexity. Joe McKendrick, Forbes.com, 19 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for ponder
Recent Examples of Synonyms for ponder
Verb
  • To see why, readers need only contemplate the growth of wealth around the United States at all income levels.
    John Tamny, Forbes.com, 29 June 2026
  • But Cox and other officials warned anyone contemplating attending the fireworks festivities not to bring drones – or face arrest and a $100,000 fine.
    Josh Meyer, USA Today, 29 June 2026
Verb
  • Aid groups consider the first 48 to 72 hours after a disaster to be the most critical window for finding survivors, though access to food and water can extend that period.
    Michael Sinkewicz, FOXNews.com, 28 June 2026
  • Should Portugal have rested Ronaldo against Colombia, considering Portugal entered Saturday’s match already assured of advancing to the knockout stage?
    Anthony Chiang June 27, Miami Herald, 28 June 2026
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.
    Mary Walrath-Holdridge, USA Today, 23 June 2026
  • These series are designed to entertain and intrigue viewers, while letting advertisers spur purchases and sales,.
    Brian Steinberg, Variety, 23 June 2026
Verb
  • Sure, it can certainly be debated if Marathon being revived after all this time as an extraction shooter was the right call.
    Paul Tassi, Forbes.com, 27 June 2026
  • As Florida lawmakers continue to debate healthcare affordability and patient protections, this is an issue that deserves urgent attention.
    Karen Arace, The Orlando Sentinel, 27 June 2026
Verb
  • Lara Schwarz studies the effect of wildfires and heat waves on public health at UC Berkeley.
    Tarini Mehta, Sacbee.com, 26 June 2026
  • Supporters argue the Bible should be studied as an essential literary text that can help students understand Western history and the founding of the US.
    Elizabeth Wolfe, CNN Money, 26 June 2026
Verb
  • Photos of Haaland on the tarmac posted to social media were riddled with homophobia and comments questioning the striker’s masculinity.
    Teddy Brown, CNN Money, 30 June 2026
  • Maps published by the Israeli government show the pilot zones encompassing the villages of Froun, Zawtar al-Gharbiyeh and Ghandouriyeh, but commentators question their value, noting Israel does not have a significant presence in those villages.
    Nabih Bulos, Los Angeles Times, 30 June 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Ponder.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/ponder. Accessed 30 Jun. 2026.

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