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 Daikon ponders whether what’s best in humanity is found only in its darkest moments. Gabrielle Bellot, Literary Hub, 8 July 2025 The modern 55 and older homebuyer isn’t looking to sit all day on a recliner pondering our end of life options. Jamie Gold, Forbes.com, 1 July 2025 The two countries have been engaged in aerial strikes and Trump had been pondering U.S. involvement for the past week. Swapna Venugopal Ramaswamy, USA Today, 23 June 2025 But the two new cardinals that Aguilera was pondering in the Arctic cold behaved oddly. Gregory Barber, Quanta Magazine, 20 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for ponder
Recent Examples of Synonyms for ponder
Verb
  • The question of how to deal with the fracturing has scientists contemplating the best course of action.
    Jack Knudson, Discover Magazine, 11 July 2025
  • Levine Cava is reportedly contemplating $25 million in savings from the Parks budget, but the details aren’t known.
    Miami Herald, Miami Herald, 11 July 2025
Verb
  • Because the banyan trees were not considered healthy enough for a relocation, Zachariades said there is no choice but to remove them.
    Abigail Hasebroock, Sun Sentinel, 15 July 2025
  • Last year, Hurricane Helene wiped out entire North Carolina towns previously considered safe from that type of destruction.
    Laura Schifter, Time, 15 July 2025
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.
    Ray Padilla, The Courier-Journal, 26 July 2025
  • Mole Man / Harvey Elder has some scenes played by the always entertaining Paul Walter Hauser.
    Erik Kain, Forbes.com, 26 July 2025
Verb
  • In fact, as the country debates effective severe weather warning protocols in the aftermath of deadly flash flooding in Texas, the siren community has been vocal about their usefulness.
    Claudia Levens, jsonline.com, 25 July 2025
  • Each body will debate their respective positions, before the three enter into a trilogue to come to a final proposal.
    Jon McGowan, Forbes.com, 24 July 2025
Verb
  • Some of that progress is fueled by Chinese scientists who studied or worked in the U.S. and then moved back to China– just like Xia did.
    Kerry A. Dolan, Forbes.com, 16 July 2025
  • That number had shrunk more than 25% by the 2023-2024 academic year, with India overtaking China for the number of nationals studying in the U.S.
    Miranda Jeyaretnam, Time, 15 July 2025
Verb
  • The song captures Rumi’s internal struggle and her growing uncertainty about the road ahead, marking a shift in her journey from confident leader to someone questioning the cost of it all.
    Samantha Stutsman, People.com, 14 July 2025
  • Meanwhile, some comments under the original video questioned if the Pentagon had asked Metallica for permission to use the song, with many questioning whether the band would have agreed to do so.
    Peter Aitken, MSNBC Newsweek, 14 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Ponder.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/ponder. Accessed 30 Jul. 2025.

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