PONDERING Synonyms: 76 Similar and Opposite Words

pondering 1 of 2

noun

as in contemplation

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pondering

2 of 2

verb

present participle of ponder

as in contemplating

to give serious and careful thought to I'm pondering whether or not I should join another committee

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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 pondering

Noun

All 50 years of craft, thought, thematic pondering — everything. — Jazz Tangcay, Variety, 3 Jan. 2026

Verb

Newsom, however, is pondering a 2028 run for the White House. — Seema Mehta, Los Angeles Times, 19 Oct. 2026 The Liberty Bell, with its famous crack, hasn’t been rung in 180 years, but that hasn’t stopped scientists from pondering what the bell might have sounded like when tolling. — Jennifer Ouellette, ArsTechnica, 15 Oct. 2026 In addition, Mendes and the studio have been pondering a highly unique reporting structure for the films’ box office receipts. — James Hibberd, HollywoodReporter, 15 Oct. 2026 In the stands, fans murmured beneath their breath, wondering what new math the Kiffin’s successor could be pondering. — Dana O’Neil, CNN Money, 20 Sep. 2026 For those pondering upgrades, Apple has laid a strong foundation with its hardware for some ambitious features down the road. — Victoria Song, The Verge, 17 Sep. 2026 The bottom line There is no universal answer for savers pondering whether a CD or high-yield savings account is the right choice for them now, after the first interest rate hike from the Federal Reserve in more than three years. — Matt Richardson, CBS News, 16 Sep. 2026 There’s plenty Duren could be pondering in regard to his value to the team as a whole. — Hunter Patterson, New York Times, 11 Sep. 2026 Kronengold and Shaw are still pondering what will come of that if Adults gets to be renewed. — Jackson McHenry, Vulture, 2 Sep. 2026

Recent Examples of Synonyms for pondering

Noun

Walking and talking with an AI fellow pilgrim Which brings me back to the Kumano Kodo in Japan, where contemplation is a key element of the traditional experience.

— Shay Rabineau, The Conversation, 8 Oct. 2026
She was accepted into the convent at the age of 36, and led a life of prayer and contemplation.

— Adam Harrington, CBS News, 6 Oct. 2026

Definition of contemplation

Verb

For eight days in April, along the rocky coastline in Gloucester, Massachusetts, the new president of Georgetown University spent time at a Jesuit retreat center, quietly contemplating the task before him.

— Sophia Solano, Washington Post, 9 Oct. 2026
The offer came at a time when Miami-Dade County Public Schools, and many other public school districts in Florida, have closed or consolidated schools and are contemplating even more closures.

— Austin Horn, Miami Herald, 8 Oct. 2026

Definition of contemplating

Noun

Sympathy comes later, unleashed in 18th-century thought through Adam Smith’s Theory of Moral Sentiments (1759).

— Eugenie Brinkema, ARTnews.com, 17 Oct. 2026
Those 20 words--all but three of them single syllables--summon a flood of thoughts and images and memories and ruminations.

— Dana Kelley, Arkansas Online, 16 Oct. 2026

Definition of thought

Verb

The Presbyterian seminary student made the comment while debating legislation related to transgender people participating in school sports.

— Rachel Royster, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 16 Oct. 2026
Agree On Decision Criteria First Agree on the decision criteria before debating the decision.

— Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 16 Oct. 2026

Definition of debating

Noun

Perfect Road, a documentary from Danish directors and cousins Adam and Christian Bonke, follows him on an extreme journey through some of Europe’s highest mountain passes, while also providing a meditation on modern life and character study.

— Georg Szalai, HollywoodReporter, 17 Oct. 2026
While others find peace through meditation and community dinners, Gibbs finds it through the brigade.

— Noah Haggerty, Los Angeles Times, 17 Oct. 2026

Definition of meditation

Verb

However, experts cautioned against considering ammonia a globally sustainable maritime fuel because its global fuel network is not yet fully developed.

— Muskan Bhatia, Interesting Engineering, 15 Oct. 2026
Patients considering care abroad should also research the clinic, the practitioner's training and experience, the products being used, emergency procedures and what follow-up care would be available if complications develop after returning home.

— Kristine Lazar, CBS News, 15 Oct. 2026

Definition of considering

Verb

During the season, officials spend more than 30 hours a week studying video and the rulebook, according to the NFL.

— Preston Fore, Fortune, 16 Oct. 2026
Junior Kelsey Chandler, who is studying to become a private pilot, said the program has pushed her outside of her comfort zone.

— Hannah McIlree, CBS News, 16 Oct. 2026

Definition of studying

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pondered

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“Pondering.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/pondering. Accessed 21 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of pondering

noun

verb

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