as in contemplating
to give serious and careful thought to
I'm pondering whether or not I should join another committee
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as in contemplation
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Recent Examples of pondering
Max Goldbart, Deadline, 14 Mar. 2025
Since then, hosts have included Jo Koy, who bombed, and Jerrod Carmichael, who gave an esoteric monologue pondering the value of his presence there.
—Jason P. Frank, Vulture, 13 Mar. 2025
Murphy, who has launched a group called the American EV Jobs Alliance to try to build bipartisan support for electric vehicles, has spent years pondering why more Republicans won't buy them.
—Camila Domonoske, NPR, 13 Mar. 2025
Season 2 did not end as abruptly, with Owen seen looking into the distance and pondering the future in the finale’s final moments.
—Nellie Andreeva, Deadline, 6 Mar. 2025
Here, Joseph’s poetics tend vague — his characters are fond of pondering whether the universe is just a simulation, whoa, dude — but at least the actors are strong anchors.
—Jackson McHenry, Vulture, 27 Feb. 2025
Which version is correct has profound implications to astrophysicists — and to anyone pondering whether life could have existed on the planet.
—Paul Smaglik, Discover Magazine, 25 Feb. 2025
Gretchen is pondering that now, though.
—Brian Grubb, Vulture, 21 Feb. 2025
As ever, alongside the snakes, there are monkeys are, and the episode ends with Timothy Ratliff pondering his legal troubles.
—Peter White, Deadline, 23 Feb. 2025
Noun
While producers pondering where to set their next movie will surely be tempted, this does come at a time when those in Hollywood especially are desperate to bring production back to home shores.
—Max Goldbart, Deadline, 14 Mar. 2025
Since then, hosts have included Jo Koy, who bombed, and Jerrod Carmichael, who gave an esoteric monologue pondering the value of his presence there.
—Jason P. Frank, Vulture, 13 Mar. 2025
Murphy, who has launched a group called the American EV Jobs Alliance to try to build bipartisan support for electric vehicles, has spent years pondering why more Republicans won't buy them.
—Camila Domonoske, NPR, 13 Mar. 2025
Season 2 did not end as abruptly, with Owen seen looking into the distance and pondering the future in the finale’s final moments.
—Nellie Andreeva, Deadline, 6 Mar. 2025
Here, Joseph’s poetics tend vague — his characters are fond of pondering whether the universe is just a simulation, whoa, dude — but at least the actors are strong anchors.
—Jackson McHenry, Vulture, 27 Feb. 2025
Which version is correct has profound implications to astrophysicists — and to anyone pondering whether life could have existed on the planet.
—Paul Smaglik, Discover Magazine, 25 Feb. 2025
Gretchen is pondering that now, though.
—Brian Grubb, Vulture, 21 Feb. 2025
As ever, alongside the snakes, there are monkeys are, and the episode ends with Timothy Ratliff pondering his legal troubles.
—Peter White, Deadline, 23 Feb. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for pondering
Verb
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Meanwhile, 61% of medical students are contemplating careers outside clinical practice, viewing medical school as a stepping stone to other fields in healthcare.—
Richard Menger MD MPA,
Forbes,
22 Dec. 2024
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Over five million Syrians have been displaced abroad over the last 13 years, and many of them are now contemplating a return home.—
Karam Shaar,
Foreign Affairs,
20 Dec. 2024
Noun
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Too much isolation can lead someone askew—ask the Unabomber—but this kind of solitary contemplation offers a retreat from social pressures.—
Jeremy Gordon,
The Atlantic,
24 June 2025
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Designed by Frida Escobedo, the plaza features seating and a reflecting pool with a fog effect, and doubles as both a gathering spot and place of serene contemplation within the enclave.—
Jeffrey Steele,
Forbes.com,
17 June 2025
Noun
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Another concerning aspect of AI's influence on our freedom of thought is its capacity to distort memory and perception.—
Cornelia C. Walther,
Forbes.com,
2 July 2025
-
Please detail any thoughts and feelings at this point.—
Sally Krutzig,
Idaho Statesman,
1 July 2025
Verb
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Among its selections this spring is this 2001 satire that, considering climate change and our incoming administration, will probably still hit pretty hard.—
Jackson McHenry,
Vulture,
8 Jan. 2025
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Hoping for compensation Lewis is among those employees now considering legal action against Jingle.—
Ilana Arougheti,
Kansas City Star,
8 Jan. 2025
Noun
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Today, many stargazers explore the celestial wonders of the night sky as a form of meditation and relaxation.—
Roger Sands,
Forbes.com,
8 July 2025
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Calm your mind, center your spirit, and set your intentions for the day as our wellness expert leads you through a relaxing meditation session.—
Essence,
Essence,
8 July 2025
Noun
-
Because of the break in scheduling — Triple-A and Double-A affiliates hold their All-Star breaks at the same time MLB does — there is some consideration as to whether Herrera will need more live at-bats before re-joining the team.—
Katie Woo,
New York Times,
11 July 2025
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According to Claire Shorenstein, MS, RD, CSSD, a sports dietitian at Eat for Endurance, a dish like this does in fact hit a lot of the nutrition considerations for athletes.—
Audrey Bruno,
SELF,
11 July 2025
Verb
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Despite more positive reports in previous months, concerns remain about the economic outlook, leaving policymakers and businesses questioning whether the downturn in confidence will translate to slower growth in 2024.—
Josh Hammer,
Newsweek,
24 Dec. 2024
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Posts may leave us questioning our qualifications, competence, and intelligence.—
Dr. Angélica S. Gutiérrez,
Forbes,
23 Dec. 2024
Noun
-
Ultimately, 5-0 was a fair reflection of their dominance.—
Michael Cox,
New York Times,
6 July 2025
-
Through personal reflections from Coleman’s descendants, trailblazing pilots, and familiar voices like actress and author Karyn Parsons, the film repositions Coleman not just as a figure of the past, but as an enduring source of empowerment.—
Shelby Stewart,
Essence,
6 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Pondering.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/pondering. Accessed 18 Jul. 2025.
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