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 The movie undoubtedly lays the wood on several in Bush’s inner circle — Thandie Newton’s impression of Condoleezza Rice is particularly mean — as W. ponders what happens when a useful idiot falls under the sway of warmongers with bad intel. Will Leitch, Vulture, 17 Feb. 2025 The Trump administration’s dismantling of the U.S. Agency for International Development was paused earlier on Thursday as a judge pondered how the move would affect those employed by it and where its responsibilities could go. Ross O'Keefe, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 14 Feb. 2025 Barry pondered the question for a few seconds and fell silent — a rarity. Daniel Brown, The Athletic, 14 Feb. 2025 For centuries since, people have pondered why Jesus was killed. Lynne Silva-Breen, Twin Cities, 7 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for ponder
Recent Examples of Synonyms for ponder
Verb
  • Companies contemplating manufacturing investments took both sides into account when planning where to build or expand a plant.
    Lydia DePillis, New York Times, 20 Feb. 2025
  • The space lends itself to lounging, contemplating and just being.
    Yola Robert, Forbes, 20 Feb. 2025
Verb
  • The goal in looking at the results is to see if the segments are generally operating as expected and consider the capital allocation decisions made by Warren Buffett.
    Bill Stone, Forbes, 23 Feb. 2025
  • About 15% percent of people are considered to be this chronotype.
    Amy McGorry, Fox News, 23 Feb. 2025
Verb
  • The People’s Open The WM Green Scene was a hugely popular area for on-course public engagement offering fun, interactive family-friendly activities that educate and entertain.
    Candace Oehler, Forbes, 19 Feb. 2025
  • The Last Showgirl: Plot, Cast, Run Time Directed by Gia Coppola (Mainstream, Palo Alto), The Last Showgirl follows Shelly Gardner (Pamela Anderson), a long-serving showgirl who has to abruptly plan for her future after her show comes to a close after 30 years of entertaining tourists in Las Vegas.
    Rudie Obias, The Hollywood Reporter, 18 Feb. 2025
Verb
  • Listen to this article Candidates for Evanston mayor and City Council debated what the next four years, and the next 20 years, should look like in the city at a forum hosted at the former site of Second Church of Christ on Feb. 9.
    Richard Requena, Chicago Tribune, 16 Feb. 2025
  • Officials are also debating possible new homebuilding regulations, including rezoning for lower housing density in especially fire-prone areas, and expediting a set of forthcoming standards for removing debris, flammable vegetation and wooden fences from the perimeters of homes.
    Monica Hunter-Hart, Forbes, 16 Feb. 2025
Verb
  • In January, natural gas bills in the U.S. were up about 5% from a year earlier, well above inflation overall, according to the Bank of America Institute, which studies consumer behavior.
    Paul Davidson, USA TODAY, 25 Feb. 2025
  • Laughed out loud at this C Chris C. · 9h 37m ago Binnington’s redemption arc from national pariah to national hero will be studied for 100 years.
    Sean McIndoe, The Athletic, 24 Feb. 2025
Verb
  • Beyond economic concerns, society at large is questioning the legitimacy and importance of DEI in organizations.
    Esade Business & Law School, Forbes, 21 Feb. 2025
  • Other sheriffs’ concerns Other sheriffs have questioned ICE’s process and House Bill 10.
    Ryan Oehrli, Charlotte Observer, 21 Feb. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Ponder.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/ponder. Accessed 3 Mar. 2025.

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