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

An Ashes defeat, more humiliating headlines than wins, and now three months for suits to ponder what comes next before England play their next fixture, the first Test of the summer on 4 June.

From BBC • Mar. 5, 2026

Meanwhile, as life expectancy inches higher and financial stress grows, here are three big things to ponder:

From MarketWatch • Feb. 13, 2026

She caught up her bag and books and hurried after her friends, leaving Harry, Ron, and Hermione to sit down at a window table and ponder what she had told them.

From "Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince" by J.K. Rowling

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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