ponder

verb

pon·​der ˈpän-dər How to pronounce ponder (audio)
pondered; pondering ˈpän-d(ə-)riŋ How to pronounce ponder (audio)
Synonyms of ponder

transitive verb

1
: to think about : reflect on
pondered the events of the day
Few other programs in recent years have prompted viewers to laugh, cry, and ponder big topics and cultural norms …—Rivea Ruff
[Psychologist Jonathan] Smallwood learned that unhappy minds tend to wander in the past, while happy minds often ponder the future.—Tim Vernimmen
2
: to weigh in the mind : evaluate, appraise
The team pondered their chances of success.

intransitive verb

: to think or consider especially quietly, soberly, and deeply
paused to ponder on the situation
We pondered over/about what to do.
ponderer
ˈpän-dər-ər How to pronounce ponder (audio)
noun

Synonyms of ponder

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ponder, meditate, muse, ruminate 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

meditate implies a definite focusing of one's thoughts on something so as to understand it deeply.

meditated on the meaning of life

muse suggests a more or less focused daydreaming as in remembrance.

mused upon childhood joys

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

Examples of ponder in a Sentence

He pondered the question before he answered. The team pondered their chances of success. We pondered whether we could afford the trip.
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
Sierra College has three quarterbacks to ponder, and all will play early, Noonan said. — Joe Davidson, Sacbee.com, 27 Aug. 2026 The question to ponder in sports today is whether speech functions as an act with a cost or as a renewable resource for an audience happy to waste time on slop. — Jerry Brewer, New York Times, 26 Aug. 2026 As the disciples ponder what to do next, a knock is heard at the door. — Brayden Garcia, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 24 Aug. 2026 While Tavares coach Gavin Jones ponders how to replace 18 transfer players heading into the season, just down Route 441, new Eustis coach Tanner Harris is pumping some energy into a program that has had four coaches in three years. — Chris Hays, The Orlando Sentinel, 18 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for ponder

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Middle French ponderer, from Latin ponderare to weigh, ponder, from ponder-, pondus weight — more at pendant entry 1

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 2

Time Traveler
The first known use of ponder was in the 14th century

Rhymes for ponder

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Browse Nearby Words

pond duck
ponder
ponderability
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Cite this Entry

“Ponder.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ponder. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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