as in contemplation
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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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Recent Examples of pondering
Jazz Tangcay, Variety, 3 Jan. 2026
Rick Porter, HollywoodReporter, 2 Apr. 2026
Manager Dave Roberts is pondering whether to take measures to limit opportunities for the sequence, as the Dodgers manage Ohtani’s two-way ability over the course of a full season for the first time.
—Maddie Lee, Los Angeles Times, 1 Apr. 2026
But news is expected soon on the Hall of Fame KU coach, who is pondering his future after having heart problems the past few years.
—Pj Green, Kansas City Star, 26 Mar. 2026
As new signs of a rift emerge in Western alliances, Putin and his generals are pondering plans for the spring and summer campaign across more than the 1,200-kilometer (about 750-mile) front line.
—ABC News, 20 Mar. 2026
The many years spent pondering and preparing for a potential attack on Iran are the reason that the first days of the war were, for the most part, a bravura display of American power.
—Franklin Foer, The Atlantic, 11 Mar. 2026
The White House is still pondering what regulatory action to take.
—Victor Tangermann, Futurism, 4 Mar. 2026
Brooks started thinking about happiness about 20 years ago, after a couple of hard career pivots left him pondering what came next.
—Rustin Dodd, New York Times, 24 Feb. 2026
Seven years ago, Williams was sitting in his bed in his New York studio apartment, eating pizza out of the box and pondering where to take his career.
—Tara Larson, Footwear News, 13 Feb. 2026
Noun
All 50 years of craft, thought, thematic pondering — everything.
—Jazz Tangcay, Variety, 3 Jan. 2026
Verb
Ganesh’s character has also spent a good amount of time this season pondering the next steps in her medical career after her plans to move back to her home state of New Jersey were disrupted.
—Rick Porter, HollywoodReporter, 2 Apr. 2026
Manager Dave Roberts is pondering whether to take measures to limit opportunities for the sequence, as the Dodgers manage Ohtani’s two-way ability over the course of a full season for the first time.
—Maddie Lee, Los Angeles Times, 1 Apr. 2026
But news is expected soon on the Hall of Fame KU coach, who is pondering his future after having heart problems the past few years.
—Pj Green, Kansas City Star, 26 Mar. 2026
As new signs of a rift emerge in Western alliances, Putin and his generals are pondering plans for the spring and summer campaign across more than the 1,200-kilometer (about 750-mile) front line.
—ABC News, 20 Mar. 2026
The many years spent pondering and preparing for a potential attack on Iran are the reason that the first days of the war were, for the most part, a bravura display of American power.
—Franklin Foer, The Atlantic, 11 Mar. 2026
The White House is still pondering what regulatory action to take.
—Victor Tangermann, Futurism, 4 Mar. 2026
Brooks started thinking about happiness about 20 years ago, after a couple of hard career pivots left him pondering what came next.
—Rustin Dodd, New York Times, 24 Feb. 2026
Seven years ago, Williams was sitting in his bed in his New York studio apartment, eating pizza out of the box and pondering where to take his career.
—Tara Larson, Footwear News, 13 Feb. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for pondering
Noun
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The North Carolina folk-rock band’s quiet and rambling third album exists in a cloud of dreamy contemplation.—
Jayson Greene,
Pitchfork,
1 Apr. 2026
-
July 23 – August 22 Money choices benefit from thoughtful contemplation.—
Tarot.com,
New York Daily News,
31 Mar. 2026
Verb
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For those who have the option, more are contemplating walking, cycling, carpooling or catching the bus or train to get some relief.—
Jessica Guynn,
USA Today,
1 Apr. 2026
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Choosing among loud, louder and loudest shirts, then contemplating whether to go with jorts or florts (don’t ask) and selecting the appropriate socks and crocs, Black finally is ready to go until Sarah Sherman shows up to spoil things.—
Greg Evans,
Deadline,
1 Apr. 2026
Noun
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The brain bug's intrinsic ick factor is undeniably high, but using their proboscises to suck thoughts directly from the brains of their unfortunate victims is a pretty neat party trick.—
Richard Edwards,
Space.com,
2 Apr. 2026
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Peet did also have thoughts on how to expand upon her character’s growth and the nature of her burgeoning relationship with Sam.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
2 Apr. 2026
Verb
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Pop culture depictions of school shootings have often stoked controversy, with many viewers debating the line between storytelling and sensitivity.—
Saba Hamedy,
NBC news,
3 Apr. 2026
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The shows have been a talker online among fans and hip hop pundits, who are debating who will put on a better set.—
Taylor Ardrey,
USA Today,
3 Apr. 2026
Noun
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For a more immersive experience, consider the water rejuvenation and meditation session, which takes place at Buahan’s own waterfall at the bottom of the valley.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
31 Mar. 2026
-
Hicks begins her sound sessions with breath and guided meditation work before diving into the sound journey.—
Britt Julious,
Chicago Tribune,
30 Mar. 2026
Verb
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No mean feat, considering the brand’s first 24 hotels are set in remote, leafy locations that feel worlds away from real life.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
1 Apr. 2026
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Here’s why, plus a look at other states considering the move.—
Kristin Scharkey,
USA Today,
1 Apr. 2026
Noun
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Other considerations include matching the frame to your mattress’s thickness and leaving about 24 inches of walking space around the bed.—
Sharon Brandwein,
USA Today,
4 Apr. 2026
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Whether the pullback is technical or fundamental Another consideration is whether gold's recent drop actually signals a true turning point or is simply a reset after a rapid climb.—
Angelica Leicht,
CBS News,
3 Apr. 2026
Verb
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Academics are studying the problem, and lawmakers are examining whether and how new legislation can help address the issue.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
3 Apr. 2026
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Scientists have been studying these models on Earth since 2010 and have learned valuable information about our biology, such as how the body might respond to new medications or stressors.—
K. R. Callaway,
Scientific American,
3 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Pondering.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/pondering. Accessed 7 Apr. 2026.
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