Definitions

ponder

[pon-der] / ˈpɒn dər /

VERB

think about seriously

Synonyms

STRONGEST

consider contemplate deliberate evaluate examine mull mull over puzzle over reflect speculate weigh

STRONG

appraise brood cerebrate cogitate daydream debate dwell excogitate figure meditate mind moon muse reason revolve roll ruminate study woolgather

WEAK

build castles in air give thought to noodle around perpend pipe-dream put on thinking cap think out think over turn over

Antonyms

STRONGEST

discard disregard forget ignore neglect

STRONG

agree go along

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Watching Maxine ponder her options is particularly affecting, especially in the moments when she tries — and sometimes fails — to reach her daughter, Eden, over the phone.

From Salon • Jun. 29, 2026

The film is both funny and dark, and allows viewers to ponder their own relationship issues.

From Barron's • Jun. 25, 2026

England's attacking style in their opening World Cup win against Croatia in Dallas created a stir of excitement but still left head coach Thomas Tuchel with questions to ponder.

From BBC • Jun. 19, 2026

So ponder the virtues of doing nothing or of doing little.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 17, 2026

Mortality had remained a conveniently hypothetical concept, an idea to ponder in the abstract.

From "Into Thin Air" by Jon Krakauer

Vocabulary lists containing ponder

Essential Academic Vocabulary for High School Students, List 2

Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!

"The Raven" by Edgar Allan Poe

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"To Kill a Mockingbird" by Harper Lee, Chapters 12–15

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