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 From its earliest moments, Nelson's new album provides a candid glimpse into his mind, with the artist pondering relevance and his place within the greater scheme of the universe. Chris Barilla, People.com, 18 June 2025 Scott conceded the theater surrounding the Belichick-Hudson relationship has punctured the coach’s mystique balloon, but offered another point to ponder. Tim Graham, New York Times, 16 June 2025 But something else to ponder: If the 2025 Club World Cup is a bit of a wash-out, will 2029 attract enough money to offer a similar prize pot? Chris Branch, New York Times, 19 June 2025 The time to ponder that question, set up boundaries, and guide how A.I. is assimilated into our workflow and lives was yesterday. Sarah Shachat, IndieWire, 12 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for ponder
Recent Examples of Synonyms for ponder
Verb
  • While Leslie’s book is largely about Lennon, McCartney and their fruitful collaborations, contemplate what George Harrison became.
    John Tamny, Forbes.com, 2 July 2025
  • Wright decided to come out after contemplating suicide in 2006.
    Jeff Nelson, People.com, 30 June 2025
Verb
  • The county had considered a flood warning system on the river similar to a tornado warning siren about six or seven years ago, but Kelly said the idea never got off the ground and the cost would have been an issue.
    Sasha Rogelberg, Fortune, 6 July 2025
  • And instead of Ziploc bags, consider these best-selling leakproof clear silicone bags that are so popular on Amazon that more than 4,000 were purchased in the last month alone.
    Katie Jackson, Travel + Leisure, 5 July 2025
Verb
  • There’s no pressure to perform, no need to entertain or constantly talk.
    Mark Travers, Forbes.com, 30 June 2025
  • The band’s repertoire will include a variety of music to entertain audiences of all ages.
    Post-Tribune, Chicago Tribune, 30 June 2025
Verb
  • The Senate continues to debate the bill before sending it back to the House.
    Jay O'Brien, ABC News, 30 June 2025
  • The extent of the damage to Tehran’s nuclear program has been hotly debated ever since.
    Laura Sharman, CNN Money, 30 June 2025
Verb
  • The filmmaker, a survivor of the war in Chechnya, studies her traumatic memories in order to transcend and transform them via cinema.
    Melanie Goodfellow, Deadline, 24 June 2025
  • That’s what researchers Kayla Clark from Rice University and Stephanie Leal from University of California, Los Angeles, have now studied.
    Eva Amsen, Forbes.com, 24 June 2025
Verb
  • Interest Rates: While speaking at an event in Portugal Tuesday, Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell was questioned about the timing of an interest rate cut.
    Catherine Brock, Forbes.com, 1 July 2025
  • The network of community leaders and officials all questioned the administration’s determination that Haiti is now safe enough for people to return.
    Churchill Ndonwie, Miami Herald, 1 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Ponder.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/ponder. Accessed 8 Jul. 2025.

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