as in contemplates
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 ponders
Who ever ponders the conveniences of that 20th-century innovation, the airplane, that makes 21st-century hustle possible?
—
CBS News, 29 Mar. 2026
That novel ponders the problem of a great artist, or someone we’re invited to believe is a great artist, tangled in the moral compromises of making art under the conditions of the Third Reich.
—David Frum, The Atlantic, 25 Mar. 2026
The new season of The Comeback arrives in 2026, perhaps the most perilous time Hollywood has ever faced as the town anxiously ponders how AI might shape, or decimate, the industry in the coming years.
—Chris Gardner, HollywoodReporter, 18 Mar. 2026
Meanwhile, Derek’s mother-in-law visits, and Paul ponders his legacy.
—Jessica Radloff, Glamour, 1 Mar. 2026
Expect a meditative film that ponders big issues with a poet-like touch.
—Randy Myers, Mercury News, 20 Jan. 2026
While Raspadori ponders whether to accept Roma’s offer and leave Atletico just six months after his move to Spain from Napoli, Gasperini has to make do-and-mend.
—James Horncastle, New York Times, 13 Jan. 2026
Gazing out the window on approach to Salt Lake City’s sprawling semi-new international transportation edifice, Lamar Skeeter ponders his trail mirroring the rugged terrain surrounding the area below.
—Roderick Boone, Charlotte Observer, 11 Jan. 2026
Roberts doesn’t offer much empathy for the poor, diseased critter other than a pause when Ben momentarily ponders his reflection in a pool as Adrian Johnston’s eerie synth-piano score tinkles.
—Amy Nicholson, Los Angeles Times, 9 Jan. 2026
CBS News, 29 Mar. 2026
That novel ponders the problem of a great artist, or someone we’re invited to believe is a great artist, tangled in the moral compromises of making art under the conditions of the Third Reich.
—David Frum, The Atlantic, 25 Mar. 2026
The new season of The Comeback arrives in 2026, perhaps the most perilous time Hollywood has ever faced as the town anxiously ponders how AI might shape, or decimate, the industry in the coming years.
—Chris Gardner, HollywoodReporter, 18 Mar. 2026
Meanwhile, Derek’s mother-in-law visits, and Paul ponders his legacy.
—Jessica Radloff, Glamour, 1 Mar. 2026
Expect a meditative film that ponders big issues with a poet-like touch.
—Randy Myers, Mercury News, 20 Jan. 2026
While Raspadori ponders whether to accept Roma’s offer and leave Atletico just six months after his move to Spain from Napoli, Gasperini has to make do-and-mend.
—James Horncastle, New York Times, 13 Jan. 2026
Gazing out the window on approach to Salt Lake City’s sprawling semi-new international transportation edifice, Lamar Skeeter ponders his trail mirroring the rugged terrain surrounding the area below.
—Roderick Boone, Charlotte Observer, 11 Jan. 2026
Roberts doesn’t offer much empathy for the poor, diseased critter other than a pause when Ben momentarily ponders his reflection in a pool as Adrian Johnston’s eerie synth-piano score tinkles.
—Amy Nicholson, Los Angeles Times, 9 Jan. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for ponders
Verb
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Robert Pogue Harrison contemplates our ever-growing will to ignorance.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
20 Mar. 2026
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Their bond, forged by the exotic nature of their remote landscape, begins to change as Lily enters her teenage years and Bodhi contemplates friendship and family beyond his reptilian counterparts.—
Matthew Carey,
Deadline,
12 Mar. 2026
Verb
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The final part of Cantorna’s statement could be crucial as a judge considers whether Subu can remain in the United States.—
Omar Jimenez,
CNN Money,
1 Apr. 2026
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As Kansas City considers big changes to its rules for developers seeking tax breaks, local affordable housing advocates want officials to pump the brakes and think more about the consequences of such a shift.—
Chris Higgins,
Kansas City Star,
31 Mar. 2026
Verb
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This style of theater both enlightens and entertains, each actor stepping out of the ensemble inside Kelleher’s direction that teeters on the edge of heavy-handidness without ever getting there.—
David John Chávez,
Mercury News,
25 Feb. 2026
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Take the quiz here … EGG DROP — Chef entertains food festival crowd with unexpected crack.—
,
FOXNews.com,
24 Feb. 2026
Verb
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At least 80% of voters support photo ID, polling that Republicans have repeatedly pointed to as the Senate debates the SAVE America Act, an election bill that Democrats claim is an attempt at voter suppression.—
David Sivak,
The Washington Examiner,
26 Mar. 2026
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Dallas is $5 million behind on sales tax revenue, adding pressure as the city debates whether to repair or relocate its nearly 50-year-old City Hall.—
Everton Bailey Jr,
Dallas Morning News,
20 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Ponders.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/ponders. Accessed 3 Apr. 2026.
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