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 Daikon ponders whether what’s best in humanity is found only in its darkest moments. Gabrielle Bellot, Literary Hub, 8 July 2025 The modern 55 and older homebuyer isn’t looking to sit all day on a recliner pondering our end of life options. Jamie Gold, Forbes.com, 1 July 2025 The two countries have been engaged in aerial strikes and Trump had been pondering U.S. involvement for the past week. Swapna Venugopal Ramaswamy, USA Today, 23 June 2025 But the two new cardinals that Aguilera was pondering in the Arctic cold behaved oddly. Gregory Barber, Quanta Magazine, 20 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for ponder
Recent Examples of Synonyms for ponder
Verb
  • While Leslie’s book is largely about Lennon, McCartney and their fruitful collaborations, contemplate what George Harrison became.
    John Tamny, Forbes.com, 2 July 2025
  • Wright decided to come out after contemplating suicide in 2006.
    Jeff Nelson, People.com, 30 June 2025
Verb
  • The county had considered a flood warning system on the river similar to a tornado warning siren about six or seven years ago, but Kelly said the idea never got off the ground and the cost would have been an issue.
    Sasha Rogelberg, Fortune, 6 July 2025
  • The children considered missing as of Saturday were attending an all-girls Christian summer camp known as Camp Mystic.
    Antonio Pequeño IV, Forbes.com, 5 July 2025
Verb
  • Ventriloquist: Marc Griffiths the ventriloquist will entertain children during a Kids Summer Reading program at 10:30 a.m. Thursday, July 10 at the Poway Library, 13137 Poway Road.
    Pomerado News, San Diego Union-Tribune, 13 July 2025
  • More amusingly, the Red Bull-BORA-Hansgrohe backroom staff seemed to be entertaining their riders with some local trivia.
    Jacob Whitehead, New York Times, 12 July 2025
Verb
  • Senate leaders from both parties continue to debate possible amendments and the broader implications for U.S. spending and free expression.
    Nick Mordowanec, MSNBC Newsweek, 11 July 2025
  • While the spending blueprint has been hotly debated because of its effects on household pocketbooks at various income levels, its impact on the overall economy is also a point of contention.
    Paul Davidson, USA Today, 11 July 2025
Verb
  • For Peck, starring on Broadway has long been a dream: Prior to launching his wildly successful musical career, Peck studied acting at the London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art (LAMDA) and worked in classical theater on London’s West End.
    Nigel Smith, People.com, 6 July 2025
  • To determine which Chicago residents are at the highest risk during heat waves, team members are studying factors that can worsen or alleviate someone’s experience of extreme heat.
    Adriana Pérez, Chicago Tribune, 6 July 2025
Verb
  • The song captures Rumi’s internal struggle and her growing uncertainty about the road ahead, marking a shift in her journey from confident leader to someone questioning the cost of it all.
    Samantha Stutsman, People.com, 14 July 2025
  • Meanwhile, some comments under the original video questioned if the Pentagon had asked Metallica for permission to use the song, with many questioning whether the band would have agreed to do so.
    Peter Aitken, MSNBC Newsweek, 14 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Ponder.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/ponder. Accessed 18 Jul. 2025.

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