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
Verb
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
Dr. Diane Hamilton,
Forbes.com,
4 July 2026
Bravo is sipping its cuppa and pondering what to do about those interesting ladies across the pond.
—
Jason P. Frank,
Vulture,
1 July 2026
Some viewers appear to enjoy seeing the princess in modern settings, pondering over what could have been if her life wasn't cut short.
—
Jennifer Hassan,
USA Today,
1 July 2026
Those who wish to ponder these struggles on July 4 will be participating in a distinguished tradition.
—
Barbara Spindel,
Christian Science Monitor,
1 July 2026
See All Example Sentences for ponder
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.
Verb
This anxiety often leads to rumination, where individuals endlessly ponder potential outcomes without actual preparation, mistakenly equating thinking with problem-solving.
—
Dr. Diane Hamilton,
Forbes.com,
4 July 2026
Bravo is sipping its cuppa and pondering what to do about those interesting ladies across the pond.
—
Jason P. Frank,
Vulture,
1 July 2026
Some viewers appear to enjoy seeing the princess in modern settings, pondering over what could have been if her life wasn't cut short.
—
Jennifer Hassan,
USA Today,
1 July 2026
Those who wish to ponder these struggles on July 4 will be participating in a distinguished tradition.
—
Barbara Spindel,
Christian Science Monitor,
1 July 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 6 Jul. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
