Synonym Chooser

How is the word ponder different from other verbs like it?

Some common synonyms of ponder are meditate, muse, and ruminate. While all these words mean "to consider or examine attentively or deliberately," ponder implies a careful weighing of a problem or, often, prolonged inconclusive thinking about a matter.

pondered the course of action

In what contexts can meditate take the place of ponder?

While the synonyms meditate and ponder are close in meaning, meditate implies a definite focusing of one's thoughts on something so as to understand it deeply.

meditated on the meaning of life

When would muse be a good substitute for ponder?

The synonyms muse and ponder are sometimes interchangeable, but muse suggests a more or less focused daydreaming as in remembrance.

mused upon childhood joys

When is it sensible to use ruminate instead of ponder?

The words ruminate and ponder are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, ruminate implies going over the same matter in one's thoughts again and again but suggests little of either purposive thinking or rapt absorption.

ruminated on past disappointments

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 Daikon ponders whether what’s best in humanity is found only in its darkest moments. Gabrielle Bellot, Literary Hub, 8 July 2025 The modern 55 and older homebuyer isn’t looking to sit all day on a recliner pondering our end of life options. Jamie Gold, Forbes.com, 1 July 2025 The two countries have been engaged in aerial strikes and Trump had been pondering U.S. involvement for the past week. Swapna Venugopal Ramaswamy, USA Today, 23 June 2025 But the two new cardinals that Aguilera was pondering in the Arctic cold behaved oddly. Gregory Barber, Quanta Magazine, 20 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for ponder
Recent Examples of Synonyms for ponder
Verb
  • Levine Cava is reportedly contemplating $25 million in savings from the Parks budget, but the details aren’t known.
    Miami Herald, Miami Herald, 11 July 2025
  • The question of how to deal with the fracturing has scientists contemplating the best course of action.
    Jack Knudson, Discover Magazine, 11 July 2025
Verb
  • The county had considered a flood warning system on the river similar to a tornado warning siren about six or seven years ago, but Kelly said the idea never got off the ground and the cost would have been an issue.
    Sasha Rogelberg, Fortune, 6 July 2025
  • If your apartment balcony, backyard patio, front porch, or garden corner could use a little love, consider adding a bistro set to your outdoor space.
    Mariana Best, Better Homes & Gardens, 5 July 2025
Verb
  • Ventriloquist: Marc Griffiths the ventriloquist will entertain children during a Kids Summer Reading program at 10:30 a.m. Thursday, July 10 at the Poway Library, 13137 Poway Road.
    Pomerado News, San Diego Union-Tribune, 13 July 2025
  • Mario Lopez and his dimples have been entertaining us for about 40 years.
    Stephanie Sengwe, People.com, 12 July 2025
Verb
  • While addressing the overall tax environment and tax treatment of cryptoassets is beyond the scope of any one singular week there are specific items that lawmakers need to keep front of mind as stablecoins and cryptoassets more broadly are debated.
    Sean Stein Smith, Forbes.com, 11 July 2025
  • While the spending blueprint has been hotly debated because of its effects on household pocketbooks at various income levels, its impact on the overall economy is also a point of contention.
    Paul Davidson, USA Today, 11 July 2025
Verb
  • To determine which Chicago residents are at the highest risk during heat waves, team members are studying factors that can worsen or alleviate someone’s experience of extreme heat.
    Adriana Pérez, Chicago Tribune, 6 July 2025
  • For Peck, starring on Broadway has long been a dream: Prior to launching his wildly successful musical career, Peck studied acting at the London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art (LAMDA) and worked in classical theater on London’s West End.
    Nigel Smith, People.com, 6 July 2025
Verb
  • The song captures Rumi’s internal struggle and her growing uncertainty about the road ahead, marking a shift in her journey from confident leader to someone questioning the cost of it all.
    Samantha Stutsman, People.com, 14 July 2025
  • Carlson questioned why Epstein had never been asked about a connection with Barak or Mossad.
    Solcyré Burga, Time, 14 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Ponder.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/ponder. Accessed 19 Jul. 2025.

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