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
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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
Season 2 continues this thread, and Hely pondered the sense of exhaustion about living in this corporate world.
—
Kambole Campbell,
Variety,
25 June 2026
Maybe, ponder some fans, guests will be whisked off from MSG to another, more upscale venue — one where the aroma of hot dogs isn’t so strong.
—
Zoe Sottile,
CNN Money,
25 June 2026
Later, Neill pondered whether he might be considered a victim of abuse due to the Polish director’s practices.
—
Brianna Zigler,
Entertainment Weekly,
24 June 2026
That’s a question Michigan’s decision-makers will have to ponder.
—
Austin Meek,
New York Times,
23 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for ponder
Kambole Campbell,
Variety,
25 June 2026
Maybe, ponder some fans, guests will be whisked off from MSG to another, more upscale venue — one where the aroma of hot dogs isn’t so strong.
—
Zoe Sottile,
CNN Money,
25 June 2026
Later, Neill pondered whether he might be considered a victim of abuse due to the Polish director’s practices.
—
Brianna Zigler,
Entertainment Weekly,
24 June 2026
That’s a question Michigan’s decision-makers will have to ponder.
—
Austin Meek,
New York Times,
23 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for ponder
Recent Examples of Synonyms for ponder
Verb
-
To see why, readers need only contemplate the growth of wealth around the United States at all income levels.
-
But Cox and other officials warned anyone contemplating attending the fireworks festivities not to bring drones – or face arrest and a $100,000 fine.
Verb
-
And on bikes no-one sane would ever consider banging around a racetrack on.
-
The Teller's wedding no-show still comes a surprise, considering Keleigh has been friends with Taylor for well over a decade.
Verb
-
Even now at more than 50 years old, there is something undeniable about the movie’s ability to entertain, delight and terrify an audience.
-
The on-site Children’s Garden adds to its appeal, with interactive features that keep younger visitors entertained for hours.
Verb
-
Georgia’s most influential dishes could be debated vigorously, but there’s no question that food has been an integral part of the South’s culture.
-
The other was Michael Longfellow’s sketch about a guy dying at the top of a waterslide and debating whether he should be pushed down the slide or carried down the stairs, which was the only thing Bargatze kept talking about all week.
Verb
-
Two years later, Kingswill is now studying civil engineering at UC Davis.
-
The origins of Gymshark can be traced back to 2012, when Francis was still a teenager, studying by day at Birmingham’s Aston University, delivering pizzas for Pizza Hut at night and spending his free time at the gym.
Verb
-
Photos of Haaland on the tarmac posted to social media were riddled with homophobia and comments questioning the striker’s masculinity.
-
Maps published by the Israeli government show the pilot zones encompassing the villages of Froun, Zawtar al-Gharbiyeh and Ghandouriyeh, but commentators question their value, noting Israel does not have a significant presence in those villages.
Cite this Entry
“Ponder.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/ponder. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
