as in contemplated
to give serious and careful thought to
I'm pondering whether or not I should join another committee
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Recent Examples of pondered
Converge vocalist Jacob Bannon pondered in a press statement.
—
Kiana Mickles, Pitchfork, 1 Apr. 2026
Someone who has pondered such niceties is Richard Posner, a former circuit judge and a prolific legal scholar.
—Anthony Lane, New Yorker, 22 Mar. 2026
Lisa Nelson, executive director of the Hamline-Midway Coalition, said her board members pondered that question at length.
—Frederick Melo, Twin Cities, 18 Mar. 2026
These are questions that thinkers, philosophers, and academics have pondered over for centuries.
—Olivia Morelli, Condé Nast Traveler, 16 Mar. 2026
Pluribus creator Vince Gilligan once pondered that the extras who make up the hive mind on the dystopian future show should be naked.
—Anthony D'alessandro, Deadline, 14 Mar. 2026
Rice pondered about his team in the final moments of his Wednesday press conference.
—Shaun Goodwin, Idaho Statesman, 13 Mar. 2026
Steve Kerr pondered a question from a local Salt Lake City reporter before the Warriors’ game Monday in Utah.
—Joseph Dycus, Mercury News, 10 Mar. 2026
Some teachers and staff were concerned about losing their doctors when DPS pondered ending its 52 year relationship with Kaiser Permanente.
—Jesse Sarles, CBS News, 21 Feb. 2026
Kiana Mickles, Pitchfork, 1 Apr. 2026
Someone who has pondered such niceties is Richard Posner, a former circuit judge and a prolific legal scholar.
—Anthony Lane, New Yorker, 22 Mar. 2026
Lisa Nelson, executive director of the Hamline-Midway Coalition, said her board members pondered that question at length.
—Frederick Melo, Twin Cities, 18 Mar. 2026
These are questions that thinkers, philosophers, and academics have pondered over for centuries.
—Olivia Morelli, Condé Nast Traveler, 16 Mar. 2026
Pluribus creator Vince Gilligan once pondered that the extras who make up the hive mind on the dystopian future show should be naked.
—Anthony D'alessandro, Deadline, 14 Mar. 2026
Rice pondered about his team in the final moments of his Wednesday press conference.
—Shaun Goodwin, Idaho Statesman, 13 Mar. 2026
Steve Kerr pondered a question from a local Salt Lake City reporter before the Warriors’ game Monday in Utah.
—Joseph Dycus, Mercury News, 10 Mar. 2026
Some teachers and staff were concerned about losing their doctors when DPS pondered ending its 52 year relationship with Kaiser Permanente.
—Jesse Sarles, CBS News, 21 Feb. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for pondered
Verb
-
In the darkened foyer, Ember contemplated this unassuming bit of paper, momentarily paralyzed by a mixture of dread and excitement stirred together, an overpowering sensation that oozed from the crown of her head, down the length of her body, then hardened, like a soft golden resin becoming solid.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
1 Apr. 2026
-
By contrast, the SAVE America Act, as contemplated by the president, would ban most forms of mail voting and require photo ID and proof of citizenship to vote in federal elections.—
David Sivak,
The Washington Examiner,
26 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
The legislature has debated different iterations of the bill six times over last 10 years and all failed.—
Shaun Boyd,
CBS News,
7 Apr. 2026
-
The Emmys have long debated where a performer belongs — lead or supporting — and actors often move between categories for the same role.—
Clayton Davis,
Variety,
6 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
Plaza Midwood home prices Despite being considered a competitive market by Redfin, Plaza Midwood led the city in home price decrease from February 2025 and February 2026.—
Chase Jordan
April 7,
Charlotte Observer,
7 Apr. 2026
-
To the Yurok Tribe, the large bears are considered relatives who could teach humans lessons, said Tiana Williamson-Claussen, a biologist who directs the tribe’s wildlife department.—
Sharon Bernstein,
Sacbee.com,
7 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
Details throughout the space reflect that approach, including the plateware — with each piece thrown by Orr, who studied pottery for two years after high school.—
Evan Moore
April 8,
Charlotte Observer,
8 Apr. 2026
-
May studied the Oklahoma City Thunder, last year’s NBA champion, and considered the team’s roster construction, even picked Mark Daigneault’s brain about it a little bit.—
Dana O’Neil,
CNN Money,
7 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
Harrison Ford, the guest on this episode of The Hollywood Reporter’s Awards Chatter podcast, has, over the course of more than 50 years in Hollywood, arguably entertained more people than anyone else, and inarguably become a living legend.—
Scott Feinberg,
HollywoodReporter,
9 Apr. 2026
-
Panini originally entertained selling the company in 2025, which The Athletic chronicled in December.—
Larry Holder,
New York Times,
8 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
Market watchers questioned the fairness of Sunway’s offer.—
Angelica Ang,
Fortune,
9 Apr. 2026
-
However, others questioned whether this was in fact the case, as certain features such as the length and shape of its arms didn’t match what would be expected, said Clements.—
Jack Guy,
CNN Money,
9 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
At the veterinarian’s office, Miracle weighed only 10 pounds.—
Samantha Agate,
Miami Herald,
6 Apr. 2026
-
After working through the night, Big Chief Demond emerged transformed in a suit that stood more than 10 feet tall and weighed 120 pounds.—
Nichole Marks,
CBS News,
5 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
Wilzig became a dedicated collector, author and lecturer, eventually amassing thousands of pieces that explored human sexuality across cultures and centuries.—
Zachary Bynum,
CBS News,
6 Apr. 2026
-
The city has since explored smaller buyouts in places that flood repeatedly, including the Jewel Streets neighborhood, also known as the Hole, at the Brooklyn-Queens border.—
Eric Klinenberg,
New Yorker,
6 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Pondered.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/pondered. Accessed 12 Apr. 2026.
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