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 first entry in his calendar for the interregnum was a week's R&R in Plains, working the telephone, pondering his briefing books and mending in flesh and spirit after 22 months on the road. —

Peter Goldman, Newsweek, 29 Dec. 2024 While concerned citizens pondered a panic-proof wealth strategy, Brian Roby, vice president of First National Bank of Olathe, Kan., told NPR his institution would be ready to welcome customers on New Year's Day rather than take the holiday off. —

Jack Mitchell, NPR, 28 Dec. 2024 Thanks to these translations, English-speaking readers are in a better position to ponder the mystery of how a timid, apolitical newspaperman wrote one of the most haunting novels of the age of Fascism and war. —

Christopher Tayler, Harper's Magazine, 2 Jan. 2025 Looking down to the field from a suite before kickoff, Griffin pondered making the Rose Bowl a regular host of national championship games. —

Sam Farmer, Los Angeles Times, 1 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for ponder

Recent Examples of Synonyms for ponder

Verb

Rather than contemplating military action, the United States should prioritize building constructive partnerships with Greenland.

— Yaakov Katz, Newsweek, 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