pondered; pondering
ˈpän-d(ə-)riŋ 
1
: to think about : reflect on
pondered the events of the day
Few other programs in recent years have prompted viewers to laugh, cry, and ponder big topics and cultural norms …—
Rivea Ruff
Rivea Ruff[Psychologist Jonathan] Smallwood learned that unhappy minds tend to wander in the past, while happy minds often ponder the future.—Tim Vernimmen
Tim Vernimmen
: to think or consider especially quietly, soberly, and deeply
paused to ponder on the situation
We pondered over/about what to do.
Examples of ponder in a Sentence
He pondered the question before he answered.
The team pondered their chances of success.
We pondered whether we could afford the trip.
Recent Examples on the Web
Advertisement China has long pondered surgical strikes against Taiwan’s leadership, though any such move is likely to be self-defeating, given the island is a sustained democracy.
—Charlie Campbell, Time, 5 Jan. 2026
Taken together, these responses suggest the revival of old fears of American interventionism, prompting allies and adversaries alike to ponder where Washington might act next.
—Freddie Clayton, NBC news, 4 Jan. 2026
Just pondering the logistics of building and running La Selva was as incredible to me as the nature that surrounded us.
—Noah Lederman, Robb Report, 3 Jan. 2026
That’s a question Leonardo DiCaprio is pondering.
—Mckinley Franklin, HollywoodReporter, 3 Jan. 2026
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Charlie Campbell, Time, 5 Jan. 2026
Taken together, these responses suggest the revival of old fears of American interventionism, prompting allies and adversaries alike to ponder where Washington might act next.
—Freddie Clayton, NBC news, 4 Jan. 2026
Just pondering the logistics of building and running La Selva was as incredible to me as the nature that surrounded us.
—Noah Lederman, Robb Report, 3 Jan. 2026
That’s a question Leonardo DiCaprio is pondering.
—Mckinley Franklin, HollywoodReporter, 3 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for ponder
Cite this Entry
“Ponder.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ponder. Accessed 7 Jan. 2026.
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