Synonyms for

Ponder

Verb / ˈpɑ:ndɜ: / Another word for ponder — explore alternatives below. For syllable breakdowns and pronunciation, see this word on Syllablesworld.

Definition

To think about something carefully and for a long time.

Synonyms & similar words

muse chewover excogitate mull ruminate speculate contemplate mullover reflect meditate thinkover contemplate meditate consider reflect think concentrate cogitate deliberate ruminate speculate study weigh examine evaluate appraise assess scrutinize

Synonyms by register

Formal

contemplate deliberate meditate ruminate

Informal

think about mull over chew on reflect on

Literary

muse brood cogitate

Antonyms

ignore disregard forget neglect dismiss overlook

Common collocations

  • ponder the meaning
  • ponder the implications
  • ponder the question
  • ponder deeply
  • ponder for a while
  • ponder the consequences
  • ponder the future

Word family

noun pondering
verb ponder

Usage note

Ponder suggests deep, serious thought over a period of time. It is generally more formal than 'think about' and implies a more thorough consideration.

Example sentences

  1. I like to ponder about what I want to be when I grow up.
  2. He pondered over the math problem for hours.
  3. She sat quietly and pondered the meaning of life.
  4. The team pondered their next move.
  5. I need to ponder over this before making a decision.

Quotes

  • The only way to make sense out of change is to plunge into it, move with it, and join the dance. - Alan Watts
  • The more one knows oneself, the less one is prone to making rash judgments. - Bruce Lee
  • The unexamined life is not worth living. - Socrates

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