ponder

[ pon-der ]

/ ˈpɒn dər /

Save This Word!

See synonyms for: ponder / pondered / pondering on Thesaurus.com

verb (used without object)

to consider something deeply and thoroughly; meditate (often followed by over or upon).

verb (used with object)

to weigh carefully in the mind; consider thoughtfully: He pondered his next words thoroughly.

OTHER WORDS FOR ponder

1 reflect, cogitate, deliberate, ruminate.

See synonyms for ponder on Thesaurus.com

QUIZ

CAN YOU ANSWER THESE COMMON GRAMMAR DEBATES?

There are grammar debates that never die; and the ones highlighted in the questions in this quiz are sure to rile everyone up once again. Do you know how to answer the questions that cause some of the greatest grammar debates?

Question 1 of 7

Which sentence is correct?

His boss, whom he admires, is waiting to meet with him about the big project.

His boss, who he admires, is waiting to meet with him about the big project.

TAKE THE QUIZ TO FIND OUT

Origin of ponder

1300–50; Middle English pondren<Middle French ponderer<Latin ponderāre to ponder, weigh; akin to pendēre to be suspended, hang (see pend)

OTHER WORDS FROM ponder

pon·der·er, nounre·pon·der, verb (used without object)un·pon·dered, adjectivewell-pondered, adjective

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

How to use ponder in a sentence

Like the greats in the cyberpunk genre, “Cyberpunk 2077” asks what it means to be human and ponders the effects of a society run by mega corporations that have far too much control.
‘Cyberpunk 2077’ is a thrill ride through an ugly, unexamined world|Elise Favis|December 11, 2020|Washington Post
Like Warhol, Christenberry pondered consumer products, although with an emphasis on regional brands.
In the galleries: Perspectives on blending culture and identity|Mark Jenkins|December 11, 2020|Washington Post
For Harden, there is no success greater than thriving while everyone else ponders the legality of his prosperity.
James Harden has confused player empowerment with self-sabotage|Jerry Brewer|December 10, 2020|Washington Post
It would be difficult under such circumstances to fairly judge how much progress there has been toward James’s objective, but she apparently had pondered that, too, when she set it.
Is 15 Percent Too Much to Ask?|Truthbetold|December 6, 2020|TruthBeTold.news

Coach Ken Niumatalolo also was pondering a quarterback change after senior Dalen Morris and the rest of the offense struggled.
Navy is back in action at last but sputters to a 10-7 loss to Memphis|Kareem Copeland|November 29, 2020|Washington Post
Strange as it may seem, I first pondered this question in the airport concourse at Seattle.
Beer Countries vs. Wine Countries|Clive Irving|December 7, 2014|DAILY BEAST
The deep truths resonated within my heart and soul, illuminating questions I had pondered over the years.
When Gary Wright Met George Harrison: Dream Weaver, John and Yoko, and More|Gary Wright|September 29, 2014|DAILY BEAST
Brother Patrick became weaker and weaker and others stop coming around as they pondered over their own status.
How Bureaucrats Let Ebola Spread to Nigeria|Michael Daly|August 14, 2014|DAILY BEAST
Hell, James left the entire league in a holding pattern whilst he pondered his future, Hamlet-like.
LeBron James Returns to Cleveland: How 'The Decision 2.0' Happened|Robert Silverman|July 11, 2014|DAILY BEAST
Talmudic sages for generations have pondered this profound question.
Mel Brooks Is Always Funny and Often Wise in This 1975 Playboy Interview|Alex Belth|February 16, 2014|DAILY BEAST
The Cockalorum pondered over this for a moment, and then murmuring, "I prefer croquet," floundered away through the waving grass.
Davy and The Goblin|Charles E. Carryl
He pondered them a moment, his dark eyes musing almost regretfully.
St. Martin's Summer|Rafael Sabatini
Matt pondered those words as well as he could with every faculty centered in the running of the car.
Motor Matt's "Century" Run|Stanley R. Matthews
She took the note from her pocket and pondered each word; the cruel, truthful words!
Tessa Wadsworth's Discipline|Jennie M. Drinkwater
For one moment Richard pondered whether he could leap into the water, and drift down-stream with his arms pinioned.
God Wills It!|William Stearns Davis

British Dictionary definitions for ponder

ponder

/ (ˈpɒndə) /

verb

(when intr, sometimes foll by on or over) to give thorough or deep consideration (to); meditate (upon)

Word Origin for ponder

C14: from Old French ponderer, from Latin ponderāre to weigh, consider, from pondus weight; related to pendere to weigh

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

ponder

OTHER WORDS FOR ponder

Origin of ponder

OTHER WORDS FROM ponder

Words related to ponder

How to use ponder in a sentence

British Dictionary definitions for ponder

Word Origin for ponder