PONDER Synonyms: 55 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

ponder

verb

ˈpän-dər

Definition of ponder next

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

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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 Jokic checked back in, and the Nuggets turned it over five times in the last six minutes of the half, leading to nine Minnesota points and an 11-point deficit to ponder in the locker room. —

Bennett Durando, The Denver Post, 25 Jan. 2025 Barron, however, appeared more reserved, possibly pondering the immense budget for placing an American flag on Mars—and its long-term financial implications for future generations. —

Kristen Waggoner, Newsweek, 21 Jan. 2025 Stephen consulted on projects over Zoom but Lauren leaned into the sabbatical, studying, painting exuberant landscapes, and pondering the future. —

Sara James Mnookin, Architectural Digest, 21 Jan. 2025 Ben Riley’s work pondering the nature of intelligence, for example, has moved us toward that goal. —

Michael B. Horn, Forbes, 23 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for ponder

Recent Examples of Synonyms for ponder

Verb

One mother of a fifth and a sixth grader, all TPS holders, contemplated not going to work Wednesday morning at the warehouse of an international clothing company.

— Syra Ortiz Blanes, Miami Herald, 29 Jan. 2025
Neither Egypt nor Jordan would contemplate being party to a repeat of the Palestinian ‘Nakba’ or ‘catastrophe’ in 1948.

— Tim Lister, CNN, 28 Jan. 2025