as in contemplation
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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
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Recent Examples of pondering
Max Goldbart, Deadline, 14 Mar. 2025
Since then, hosts have included Jo Koy, who bombed, and Jerrod Carmichael, who gave an esoteric monologue pondering the value of his presence there.
—Jason P. Frank, Vulture, 13 Mar. 2025
Murphy, who has launched a group called the American EV Jobs Alliance to try to build bipartisan support for electric vehicles, has spent years pondering why more Republicans won't buy them.
—Camila Domonoske, NPR, 13 Mar. 2025
Season 2 did not end as abruptly, with Owen seen looking into the distance and pondering the future in the finale’s final moments.
—Nellie Andreeva, Deadline, 6 Mar. 2025
Here, Joseph’s poetics tend vague — his characters are fond of pondering whether the universe is just a simulation, whoa, dude — but at least the actors are strong anchors.
—Jackson McHenry, Vulture, 27 Feb. 2025
Which version is correct has profound implications to astrophysicists — and to anyone pondering whether life could have existed on the planet.
—Paul Smaglik, Discover Magazine, 25 Feb. 2025
Gretchen is pondering that now, though.
—Brian Grubb, Vulture, 21 Feb. 2025
As ever, alongside the snakes, there are monkeys are, and the episode ends with Timothy Ratliff pondering his legal troubles.
—Peter White, Deadline, 23 Feb. 2025
Verb
While producers pondering where to set their next movie will surely be tempted, this does come at a time when those in Hollywood especially are desperate to bring production back to home shores.
—Max Goldbart, Deadline, 14 Mar. 2025
Since then, hosts have included Jo Koy, who bombed, and Jerrod Carmichael, who gave an esoteric monologue pondering the value of his presence there.
—Jason P. Frank, Vulture, 13 Mar. 2025
Murphy, who has launched a group called the American EV Jobs Alliance to try to build bipartisan support for electric vehicles, has spent years pondering why more Republicans won't buy them.
—Camila Domonoske, NPR, 13 Mar. 2025
Season 2 did not end as abruptly, with Owen seen looking into the distance and pondering the future in the finale’s final moments.
—Nellie Andreeva, Deadline, 6 Mar. 2025
Here, Joseph’s poetics tend vague — his characters are fond of pondering whether the universe is just a simulation, whoa, dude — but at least the actors are strong anchors.
—Jackson McHenry, Vulture, 27 Feb. 2025
Which version is correct has profound implications to astrophysicists — and to anyone pondering whether life could have existed on the planet.
—Paul Smaglik, Discover Magazine, 25 Feb. 2025
Gretchen is pondering that now, though.
—Brian Grubb, Vulture, 21 Feb. 2025
As ever, alongside the snakes, there are monkeys are, and the episode ends with Timothy Ratliff pondering his legal troubles.
—Peter White, Deadline, 23 Feb. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for pondering
Noun
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These philosophies manifest in Benesse House's deliberate restraint—spaces designed for contemplation rather than excessive comfort and convenience.—
Ryan Craggs,
Travel + Leisure,
29 Apr. 2025
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This may require some solo contemplation, dialogue with friends, therapy or journaling.—
Shannon Carpenter,
CNN Money,
18 Apr. 2025
Verb
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Meanwhile, 61% of medical students are contemplating careers outside clinical practice, viewing medical school as a stepping stone to other fields in healthcare.—
Richard Menger MD MPA,
Forbes,
22 Dec. 2024
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Scott’s giving has important guidance not only for billionaires who want to follow her example and ramp up their giving, but also for everyday donors – and investors — who may be contemplating year-end decisions.—
David Bowermaster,
Forbes,
20 Dec. 2024
Noun
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Monday’s announcement of the WBD split included thoughts that TNT Sports could be licensed out to HBO Max, licensed to another entity entirely or even spun off into another separate company.—
John Cassillo,
Forbes.com,
10 June 2025
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There’s plenty of humor also in individual thoughts on their biggest but frothiest hit.—
David Rooney,
HollywoodReporter,
9 June 2025
Noun
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But plenty of tech leaders have emphasized the importance of meditation and mindfulness—including Twitter co-founder and Square CEO Jack Dorsey, who often goes on meditation retreats.—
Andrew R. Chow,
Time,
31 May 2025
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Then one day, her former cohost Jenna Bush Hager suggested breath work and meditation to combat stress.—
Esther Kang,
People.com,
30 May 2025
Verb
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Hoping for compensation Lewis is among those employees now considering legal action against Jingle.—
Ilana Arougheti,
Kansas City Star,
8 Jan. 2025
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The rule could have prevented the government from considering important health research in setting pollution limits.—
Eric Nost,
The Conversation,
8 Jan. 2025
Noun
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Despite these growing concerns, recent legislative efforts seek to limit the consideration of climate risk in financial decision-making.—
Carlos Cubelo,
The Orlando Sentinel,
5 June 2025
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There is also the consideration that some people may completely change their diet from omnivore to vegetarian or vegetarian to omnivore.—
Patty Weasler,
Verywell Health,
5 June 2025
Noun
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At the signature 100-day mark that is commonly a point of reflection for presidencies, Trump’s numbers weren’t ideal.—
Jared Gans,
The Hill,
31 May 2025
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With more than 30 million people expected to visit Rome this Jubilee year–a period of reflection and pilgrimage held every quarter century, and one of the Catholic Church’s major global events–the Eternal City will be bursting at the seams with tourists from the world over.—
Alexandra Kirkman,
Forbes.com,
31 May 2025
Verb
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Despite more positive reports in previous months, concerns remain about the economic outlook, leaving policymakers and businesses questioning whether the downturn in confidence will translate to slower growth in 2024.—
Josh Hammer,
Newsweek,
24 Dec. 2024
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Posts may leave us questioning our qualifications, competence, and intelligence.—
Dr. Angélica S. Gutiérrez,
Forbes,
23 Dec. 2024
Cite this Entry
“Pondering.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/pondering. Accessed 13 Jun. 2025.
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