as in contemplating
to give serious and careful thought to
I'm pondering whether or not I should join another committee
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as in contemplation
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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
Noun
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
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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Too much isolation can lead someone askew—ask the Unabomber—but this kind of solitary contemplation offers a retreat from social pressures.—
Jeremy Gordon,
The Atlantic,
24 June 2025
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Designed by Frida Escobedo, the plaza features seating and a reflecting pool with a fog effect, and doubles as both a gathering spot and place of serene contemplation within the enclave.—
Jeffrey Steele,
Forbes.com,
17 June 2025
Noun
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Another concerning aspect of AI's influence on our freedom of thought is its capacity to distort memory and perception.—
Cornelia C. Walther,
Forbes.com,
2 July 2025
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Please detail any thoughts and feelings at this point.—
Sally Krutzig,
Idaho Statesman,
1 July 2025
Verb
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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
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Robert Saleh, former New York Jets head coach This might be the most popular hire among fans, considering that Saleh ran the 49ers’ 2019 defense, the unit the team has aspired to match ever since.—
Matt Barrows,
The Athletic,
8 Jan. 2025
Noun
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In addition, there will be a huge selection of wellness sessions led by international Alo instructors, including meditation, Pilates, outdoor strength workouts and sound healing.—
Rachel Dube,
Forbes.com,
26 June 2025
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Both adaptations of Louisa May Alcott's novel Little Women feature touching meditations on sisterhood, as well as the complicated 19th-century romance between writer Jo March and boy-next-door Laurie.—
Lia Beck,
EW.com,
25 June 2025
Noun
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Based on public feedback and the survey that closed June 17, Baird-Spencer said, the top three alternatives are expected to be presented to the City Council for consideration.—
Rose Evans,
Idaho Statesman,
29 June 2025
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This suggests that its disruptive effects only work on certain types of cells, which will be an important consideration when developing medications.—
Khloe Quill,
FOXNews.com,
29 June 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
Noun
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Ultimately, 5-0 was a fair reflection of their dominance.—
Michael Cox,
New York Times,
6 July 2025
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Through personal reflections from Coleman’s descendants, trailblazing pilots, and familiar voices like actress and author Karyn Parsons, the film repositions Coleman not just as a figure of the past, but as an enduring source of empowerment.—
Shelby Stewart,
Essence,
6 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Pondering.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/pondering. Accessed 11 Jul. 2025.
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