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.

“A consumer in the Charter package doesn’t have to ponder whether a particular streaming service does or doesn’t have a particular show worth watching.”

From MarketWatch • May 28, 2026

Just for openers, he could ponder why a world-class opera house has started slipping into provincial status.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 7, 2026

Applying kiddie filters to “Animal Farm” is certainly an irony to ponder regarding the book’s theme of oppression.

From Los Angeles Times • May 1, 2026

Slumped into folding chairs inside his New York studio, renowned designer Marc Jacobs and his brand’s creative director, Joseph Carter, ponder the mood of Jacobs’ Spring 2024 ready-to-wear collection.

From Salon • Mar. 27, 2026

Here was another dreadful choice, and he had no time to ponder it.

From "The Return of the King" by J.R.R. Tolkien

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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