PONDER Synonyms: 55 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

ponder

verb

ˈpän-dər

Definition of ponder next

as in to contemplate

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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

Examples 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 whole secondary could end up looking different with veteran safety Harrison Smith pondering retirement, safety Cam Bynum in line for a big raise, and a number of cornerbacks in need of new contracts. —

Dane Mizutani, Twin Cities, 17 Jan. 2025 On one hand, individuals begin to ponder the true essence of the fashion business. —

Li Jun, WWD, 17 Jan. 2025 With a big offseason ahead, here are five questions to ponder: Will Denver give Courtland Sutton extension? —

Ryan McFadden, The Denver Post, 16 Jan. 2025 Thus, all five teams head toward the Feb. 6 trade deadline pondering fairly deep philosophical questions about their futures, and dark clouds are gathering on the offseason horizon. —

John Hollinger, The Athletic, 15 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for ponder

Recent Examples of Synonyms for ponder

Verb

In addition, conservative thought leaders — including those behind the Project 2025 playbook — have been contemplating Trump’s return for years, and have no doubt been helping Trump craft orders that are less vulnerable to legal challenges, the experts said.

— Kevin Rector, Los Angeles Times, 17 Jan. 2025
The House settlement contemplates colleges paying athletes for media rights, ticket sales, sponsorships and NIL.

— Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 17 Jan. 2025