PONDERING Synonyms: 76 Similar and Opposite Words

pondering 1 of 2

noun

as in contemplation

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pondering

2 of 2

verb

present participle of ponder

as in contemplating

to give serious and careful thought to I'm pondering whether or not I should join another committee

Synonyms & Similar Words

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 pondering

Noun

All 50 years of craft, thought, thematic pondering — everything. — Jazz Tangcay, Variety, 3 Jan. 2026

Verb

Newsom, however, is pondering a 2028 run for the White House. — Seema Mehta, Los Angeles Times, 19 Oct. 2026 The Liberty Bell, with its famous crack, hasn’t been rung in 180 years, but that hasn’t stopped scientists from pondering what the bell might have sounded like when tolling. — Jennifer Ouellette, ArsTechnica, 15 Oct. 2026 In addition, Mendes and the studio have been pondering a highly unique reporting structure for the films’ box office receipts. — James Hibberd, HollywoodReporter, 15 Oct. 2026 In the stands, fans murmured beneath their breath, wondering what new math the Kiffin’s successor could be pondering. — Dana O’Neil, CNN Money, 20 Sep. 2026 For those pondering upgrades, Apple has laid a strong foundation with its hardware for some ambitious features down the road. — Victoria Song, The Verge, 17 Sep. 2026 The bottom line There is no universal answer for savers pondering whether a CD or high-yield savings account is the right choice for them now, after the first interest rate hike from the Federal Reserve in more than three years. — Matt Richardson, CBS News, 16 Sep. 2026 There’s plenty Duren could be pondering in regard to his value to the team as a whole. — Hunter Patterson, New York Times, 11 Sep. 2026 Kronengold and Shaw are still pondering what will come of that if Adults gets to be renewed. — Jackson McHenry, Vulture, 2 Sep. 2026

Recent Examples of Synonyms for pondering

Noun

Walking and talking with an AI fellow pilgrim Which brings me back to the Kumano Kodo in Japan, where contemplation is a key element of the traditional experience.

— Shay Rabineau, The Conversation, 8 Oct. 2026
She was accepted into the convent at the age of 36, and led a life of prayer and contemplation.

— Adam Harrington, CBS News, 6 Oct. 2026

Definition of contemplation

Verb

There were starkly arranged a cappella vocals, wistful singer-songwriter tunes for briskly contemplating the boy from last night, and a dance-floor track once intended for Madonna.

— Jack Denton, Vulture, 22 Oct. 2026
Members of the public, at recent meetings, though, have raised concerns about traffic and the financial agreements the city is contemplating.

— Sacbee.com, Sacbee.com, 22 Oct. 2026

Definition of contemplating

Verb

The vaccine may also usher in a new wave of treatments for other types of cancer, though experts are debating how broadly applicable the technology could be.

— Ed Silverman, STAT, 23 Oct. 2026
In the early 1980s, Resnicoff says that Congress was debating the Religious Apparel Amendment, which would have allowed Jews serving in the military to cover their heads.

— Beth Bailey, FOXNews.com, 23 Oct. 2026

Definition of debating

Noun

Plan low-key gatherings like a cozy dinner or weekend hike to stay socially connected, and try mindfulness practices such as meditation or deep breathing.

— Hanna Wickes, Sacbee.com, 23 Oct. 2026
In new programs, interactions with horses go beyond riding to meditation, yoga and therapy that practitioners say can help restore life balance.

— Ondine Cohane, New York Times, 23 Oct. 2026

Definition of meditation

Verb

Some employers are considering whether to help their staffers buy GLP-1 drugs for weight loss directly from the manufacturers or other partners, such as Costco’s pharmacy, said Matthew Rae, associate director at KFF.

— Tami Luhby, CNN Money, 22 Oct. 2026
Excellent soundproofing of the walls and windows is a huge plus, especially considering the hotel's central location.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 22 Oct. 2026

Definition of considering

Noun

OutKick has asked the WNBA to clarify its current requirements and enforcement, whether discipline is planned or under consideration, and whether teams have received instructions about being on the court.

— Dan Zaksheske OutKick, FOXNews.com, 24 Oct. 2026
But the public listing itself should not eliminate a company from consideration.

— Chris Russo, Sportico.com, 24 Oct. 2026

Definition of consideration

Verb

Tan-Gillespie eventually became the first in her family to attend college, studying business at the University of Plymouth and graduating in 1996.

— Preston Fore, Fortune, 24 Oct. 2026
Researchers like us have spent years studying treatment and harm reduction, a field with a wealth of data, including insurance claims.

— J. Travis Donahoe, STAT, 23 Oct. 2026

Definition of studying

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pondered

pondering

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Style

“Pondering.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/pondering. Accessed 27 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of pondering

noun

verb

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