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.

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

Then ponder this: War is hell, but is it good for the economy?

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 13, 2026

He’s even started to ponder how the movie could be expanded to fit the venue’s enormous wraparound screen à la Sphere’s theme-park-like take on “The Wizard of Oz.”

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 24, 2026

It was a game that threw up dozens of cameos to ponder, not just the creation and execution of the Scotland tries but the bare-knuckle stuff they delivered in defence.

From BBC • Feb. 14, 2026

There was some cruel intelligence in its jaundiced eye that made me ponder this and made me grateful for the chain.

From "The Evolution of Calpurnia Tate" by Jacqueline Kelly

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

Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!