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 of ponder in a Sentence

These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Recent Examples on the Web After latest suicide, the Vessel in New York City’s Hudson Yards ponders its future CNN, located at Hudson Yards, took a trip to the Vessel on Wednesday to explore the changes. —

Eric Levenson, CNN, 27 Oct. 2024 Though the series’ ending was left for the audience to debate on what truly happens and offered a feeling of possibility, Nicks ponders what could be if the show should ever have another season. —

Lexy Perez, The Hollywood Reporter, 24 Oct. 2024 That incredible achievement inspired global health advocates to ponder what other diseases could be tackled next. —

Jennifer Lotito, Forbes, 22 Oct. 2024 During the week off, coaches reviewed film and pondered personnel and scheme adjustments. —

Gary Klein, Los Angeles Times, 18 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for ponder

Recent Examples of Synonyms for ponder

Verb

Their agreement contemplated alternative dispute mechanisms, including arbitration, to resolve any contractual conflict.

Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 4 Nov. 2024
The alternative is a future too abhorrent for even the most dystopian imaginations at WIRED to contemplate.

Katie Drummond, WIRED, 4 Nov. 2024