as in contemplates
to give serious and careful thought to
I'm pondering whether or not I should join another committee
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Recent Examples of ponders
Expect a meditative film that ponders big issues with a poet-like touch.
—
Randy Myers, Mercury News, 20 Jan. 2026
While Raspadori ponders whether to accept Roma’s offer and leave Atletico just six months after his move to Spain from Napoli, Gasperini has to make do-and-mend.
—James Horncastle, New York Times, 13 Jan. 2026
Gazing out the window on approach to Salt Lake City’s sprawling semi-new international transportation edifice, Lamar Skeeter ponders his trail mirroring the rugged terrain surrounding the area below.
—Roderick Boone, Charlotte Observer, 11 Jan. 2026
Roberts doesn’t offer much empathy for the poor, diseased critter other than a pause when Ben momentarily ponders his reflection in a pool as Adrian Johnston’s eerie synth-piano score tinkles.
—Amy Nicholson, Los Angeles Times, 9 Jan. 2026
Small businesses throughout the Golden State, especially those in rural or underserved communities, are on pins and needles as the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) ponders Verizon’s acquisition of Frontier.
—Javier Palomarez, Sacbee.com, 19 Dec. 2025
The difference between these two performances makes the romance even more unbelievable, as the audience ponders what this seemingly confident woman sees in this immature putz.
—Murtada Elfadl, Variety, 15 Dec. 2025
Baby ponders love in all its rejuvenating and off-putting shapes, sweating with a husband and father’s devotion but sometimes with a son’s pining for a closer connection with an oaklike and unreadable elder.
—Craig Jenkins, Vulture, 2 Dec. 2025
Now, where there is a beautiful thing, there will be someone who ponders how it might be leveraged for their own benefit.
—Hazlitt, 19 Nov. 2025
Randy Myers, Mercury News, 20 Jan. 2026
While Raspadori ponders whether to accept Roma’s offer and leave Atletico just six months after his move to Spain from Napoli, Gasperini has to make do-and-mend.
—James Horncastle, New York Times, 13 Jan. 2026
Gazing out the window on approach to Salt Lake City’s sprawling semi-new international transportation edifice, Lamar Skeeter ponders his trail mirroring the rugged terrain surrounding the area below.
—Roderick Boone, Charlotte Observer, 11 Jan. 2026
Roberts doesn’t offer much empathy for the poor, diseased critter other than a pause when Ben momentarily ponders his reflection in a pool as Adrian Johnston’s eerie synth-piano score tinkles.
—Amy Nicholson, Los Angeles Times, 9 Jan. 2026
Small businesses throughout the Golden State, especially those in rural or underserved communities, are on pins and needles as the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) ponders Verizon’s acquisition of Frontier.
—Javier Palomarez, Sacbee.com, 19 Dec. 2025
The difference between these two performances makes the romance even more unbelievable, as the audience ponders what this seemingly confident woman sees in this immature putz.
—Murtada Elfadl, Variety, 15 Dec. 2025
Baby ponders love in all its rejuvenating and off-putting shapes, sweating with a husband and father’s devotion but sometimes with a son’s pining for a closer connection with an oaklike and unreadable elder.
—Craig Jenkins, Vulture, 2 Dec. 2025
Now, where there is a beautiful thing, there will be someone who ponders how it might be leveraged for their own benefit.
—Hazlitt, 19 Nov. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for ponders
Verb
-
As the Colorado General Assembly contemplates legislation concerning AI, legislators need to tread cautiously.—
Krista Kafer,
Denver Post,
25 Jan. 2026
-
Heeseung contemplates the question, before answering.—
Jae-Ha Kim,
Rolling Stone,
19 Jan. 2026
Verb
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The Chiefs’ personnel department considers the long view, which is where assistant general manager Chris Shea factors in, working closely with Veach on long-term roster management.—
Pete Sweeney,
Kansas City Star,
5 Feb. 2026
-
The firm considers homes affordable when a typical buyer can purchase a house for less than one-third of their income.—
Megan Cerullo,
CBS News,
5 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
With or without a bird’s nest in the nearby passion fruit vine, the outdoor living room, where Garner entertains friends in the evening by the fire, is a dreamlike oasis for curling up next to the space heaters with a cozy blanket.—
Architectural Digest,
Architectural Digest,
6 Feb. 2026
-
Tellingly, when thinking about Erika on his own, Elliot entertains more traditional desires, like getting married and starting a family.—
Peter Debruge,
Variety,
24 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
In the recording, the council debates whether there would be any benefits since Prohaska had already resigned.—
Tiney Ricciardi,
Denver Post,
26 Jan. 2026
-
The crypto firm’s move comes as California debates a ballot measure that would tax billionaires 5% on their total wealth for healthcare funding.—
Queenie Wong,
Los Angeles Times,
21 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Ponders.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/ponders. Accessed 9 Feb. 2026.
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