as in contemplating
to give serious and careful thought to
I'm pondering whether or not I should join another committee
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
as in contemplation
Related Words
Dissimilar Words
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
Max Goldbart, Deadline, 14 Mar. 2025
Since then, hosts have included Jo Koy, who bombed, and Jerrod Carmichael, who gave an esoteric monologue pondering the value of his presence there.
—Jason P. Frank, Vulture, 13 Mar. 2025
Murphy, who has launched a group called the American EV Jobs Alliance to try to build bipartisan support for electric vehicles, has spent years pondering why more Republicans won't buy them.
—Camila Domonoske, NPR, 13 Mar. 2025
Season 2 did not end as abruptly, with Owen seen looking into the distance and pondering the future in the finale’s final moments.
—Nellie Andreeva, Deadline, 6 Mar. 2025
Here, Joseph’s poetics tend vague — his characters are fond of pondering whether the universe is just a simulation, whoa, dude — but at least the actors are strong anchors.
—Jackson McHenry, Vulture, 27 Feb. 2025
Which version is correct has profound implications to astrophysicists — and to anyone pondering whether life could have existed on the planet.
—Paul Smaglik, Discover Magazine, 25 Feb. 2025
Gretchen is pondering that now, though.
—Brian Grubb, Vulture, 21 Feb. 2025
As ever, alongside the snakes, there are monkeys are, and the episode ends with Timothy Ratliff pondering his legal troubles.
—Peter White, Deadline, 23 Feb. 2025
Noun
While producers pondering where to set their next movie will surely be tempted, this does come at a time when those in Hollywood especially are desperate to bring production back to home shores.
—Max Goldbart, Deadline, 14 Mar. 2025
Since then, hosts have included Jo Koy, who bombed, and Jerrod Carmichael, who gave an esoteric monologue pondering the value of his presence there.
—Jason P. Frank, Vulture, 13 Mar. 2025
Murphy, who has launched a group called the American EV Jobs Alliance to try to build bipartisan support for electric vehicles, has spent years pondering why more Republicans won't buy them.
—Camila Domonoske, NPR, 13 Mar. 2025
Season 2 did not end as abruptly, with Owen seen looking into the distance and pondering the future in the finale’s final moments.
—Nellie Andreeva, Deadline, 6 Mar. 2025
Here, Joseph’s poetics tend vague — his characters are fond of pondering whether the universe is just a simulation, whoa, dude — but at least the actors are strong anchors.
—Jackson McHenry, Vulture, 27 Feb. 2025
Which version is correct has profound implications to astrophysicists — and to anyone pondering whether life could have existed on the planet.
—Paul Smaglik, Discover Magazine, 25 Feb. 2025
Gretchen is pondering that now, though.
—Brian Grubb, Vulture, 21 Feb. 2025
As ever, alongside the snakes, there are monkeys are, and the episode ends with Timothy Ratliff pondering his legal troubles.
—Peter White, Deadline, 23 Feb. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for pondering
Verb
-
Meanwhile, 61% of medical students are contemplating careers outside clinical practice, viewing medical school as a stepping stone to other fields in healthcare.—
Richard Menger MD MPA,
Forbes,
22 Dec. 2024
-
Scott’s giving has important guidance not only for billionaires who want to follow her example and ramp up their giving, but also for everyday donors – and investors — who may be contemplating year-end decisions.—
David Bowermaster,
Forbes,
20 Dec. 2024
Noun
-
In its own way, the film is also a contemplation of recollections, memory and post-Yugoslav reality.—
Leo Barraclough,
Variety,
3 June 2025
-
These works demand contemplation, offering not just spectacle but urgent commentary.—
Lee Sharrock,
Forbes.com,
16 May 2025
Noun
-
The bandmates piggyback off each other’s thoughts and finish one another’s sentences without any interjection feeling like an interruption.—
Leah Lu,
Rolling Stone,
15 July 2025
-
To no surprise, viewers swarmed the TikTok video's comment section with their thoughts.—
Skyler Caruso,
People.com,
15 July 2025
Verb
-
The rule could have prevented the government from considering important health research in setting pollution limits.—
Eric Nost,
The Conversation,
8 Jan. 2025
-
Robert Saleh, former New York Jets head coach This might be the most popular hire among fans, considering that Saleh ran the 49ers’ 2019 defense, the unit the team has aspired to match ever since.—
Matt Barrows,
The Athletic,
8 Jan. 2025
Noun
-
Schrecker’s No Ivory Tower is a granular account of the effect that the Red Scare had on American universities, as well as a broader meditation on the nature and history of academic freedom.—
Tyler Austin Harper,
The Atlantic,
21 July 2025
-
Beyond supplements, complementary methods like meditation, yoga, and acupuncture have been shown to enhance sleep quality.—
Ayesha Gulzar,
Verywell Health,
21 July 2025
Noun
-
Whether individual owners can capitalize on these opportunities depends on their specific circumstances and business approach, but the industry trends and financial data make a compelling case for serious consideration.—
Kimberly Wilson,
Essence,
23 July 2025
-
The high court ruled unanimously Davis' case can proceed, remanding it back to Wayne County Circuit Court for consideration.—
Arpan Lobo,
Freep.com,
23 July 2025
Verb
-
Despite more positive reports in previous months, concerns remain about the economic outlook, leaving policymakers and businesses questioning whether the downturn in confidence will translate to slower growth in 2024.—
Josh Hammer,
Newsweek,
24 Dec. 2024
-
Posts may leave us questioning our qualifications, competence, and intelligence.—
Dr. Angélica S. Gutiérrez,
Forbes,
23 Dec. 2024
Noun
-
Often, what’s labeled as fatigue is a reflection of weak foundations—initiatives built around external incentives rather than internal conviction.—
Craig Crisler,
Forbes.com,
16 July 2025
-
The club said in an email to members that the closure is a reflection of long-term post-pandemic changes and social patterns.—
Jolene Almendarez,
The Enquirer,
15 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Pondering.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/pondering. Accessed 29 Jul. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share