as in contemplation
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
as in contemplating
to give serious and careful thought to
I'm pondering whether or not I should join another committee
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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
Scott Travis, Sun Sentinel, 29 Dec. 2024
There may be some benefit from these policies, but business leaders pondering their 2025 plans will want to focus on their own labor needs.
—Bill Conerly, Forbes, 23 Dec. 2024
Also, don’t be surprised to hear stories about Pacquiao pondering yet another fight, even though Roach, Arum and Sternburg will be there to immediately talk him out of it.
—Bill Dwyre, Los Angeles Times, 22 Dec. 2024
As Barbie is pondering her decision to leave or stay, Handler, Barbie’s real-life creator, appears for the second time and helps her to decide.
—Erica Marrison, People.com, 21 Dec. 2024
The ongoing media layoffs have left more TV executives out of a job and pondering a transition to producing.
—Nellie Andreeva, Deadline, 17 Dec. 2024
After interviewing for the Atlanta Falcons and the job subsequently going to Raheem Morris, Belichick has dabbled in the media business while pondering his next steps on the sidelines.
—Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 12 Dec. 2024
Republicans are pondering alternatives to avoid a 2025 legislative log jam.
—Cate Martel, The Hill, 12 Dec. 2024
Meanwhile, the Astros are pondering why their record streak of seven straight appearances in the Championship Series ended in 2024 – and what to do about it during the two months before spring training begins.
—Dan Schlossberg, Forbes, 12 Dec. 2024
Verb
School Board members are now pondering the idea of asking voters for another bond in the future.
—Scott Travis, Sun Sentinel, 29 Dec. 2024
There may be some benefit from these policies, but business leaders pondering their 2025 plans will want to focus on their own labor needs.
—Bill Conerly, Forbes, 23 Dec. 2024
Also, don’t be surprised to hear stories about Pacquiao pondering yet another fight, even though Roach, Arum and Sternburg will be there to immediately talk him out of it.
—Bill Dwyre, Los Angeles Times, 22 Dec. 2024
As Barbie is pondering her decision to leave or stay, Handler, Barbie’s real-life creator, appears for the second time and helps her to decide.
—Erica Marrison, People.com, 21 Dec. 2024
The ongoing media layoffs have left more TV executives out of a job and pondering a transition to producing.
—Nellie Andreeva, Deadline, 17 Dec. 2024
After interviewing for the Atlanta Falcons and the job subsequently going to Raheem Morris, Belichick has dabbled in the media business while pondering his next steps on the sidelines.
—Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 12 Dec. 2024
Republicans are pondering alternatives to avoid a 2025 legislative log jam.
—Cate Martel, The Hill, 12 Dec. 2024
Meanwhile, the Astros are pondering why their record streak of seven straight appearances in the Championship Series ended in 2024 – and what to do about it during the two months before spring training begins.
—Dan Schlossberg, Forbes, 12 Dec. 2024
Recent Examples of Synonyms for pondering
Noun
-
And, where many other Stoic writers suggest seeking the divine through contemplation of the stars or natural landscapes, Pliny does the same with bugs and grubs.—
Livia Gershon,
JSTOR Daily,
5 Mar. 2025
-
In the weeks before the election, former President Barack Obama gave moral sermons and philosophical treatises on behalf of the Harris-Walz campaign, his speeches suggesting that politics still existed in a social atmosphere of contemplation and debate.—
Brady Brickner-Wood,
The New Yorker,
5 Feb. 2025
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
-
Over five million Syrians have been displaced abroad over the last 13 years, and many of them are now contemplating a return home.—
Karam Shaar,
Foreign Affairs,
20 Dec. 2024
Noun
-
Propper Daley’s invite-only A Day of Unreasonable Conversation will stay on the schedule as an annual gathering of thought leaders and entertainment industry insiders.—
Chris Gardner,
The Hollywood Reporter,
6 Mar. 2025
-
Allow users to communicate their thoughts and concerns about the technology, especially in the early adoption stages.—
Mohamed Lazzouni,
Forbes,
6 Mar. 2025
Noun
-
While Pasolini delivers his meditations to clergy members gathered at the Vatican, the pope listens from his hospital room, though the attendees cannot see or hear him.—
Faisal Kutty,
Newsweek,
11 Mar. 2025
-
Practicing mindful breathing meditation, although research on its effectiveness in improving executive functions is mixed.—
Dominique Fluker,
Essence,
10 Mar. 2025
Verb
-
Among its selections this spring is this 2001 satire that, considering climate change and our incoming administration, will probably still hit pretty hard.—
Jackson McHenry,
Vulture,
8 Jan. 2025
-
Hoping for compensation Lewis is among those employees now considering legal action against Jingle.—
Ilana Arougheti,
Kansas City Star,
8 Jan. 2025
Noun
-
Bellas said the parks department would take Thursday’s public comments into consideration.—
Emma Hall,
Sacramento Bee,
1 Mar. 2025
-
Ong, 79, also consented to have a second charge taken into consideration for the purposes of sentencing at a court hearing scheduled on April 2, according to a statement from Hotel Properties, in which the tycoon serves as managing director.—
Jonathan Burgos,
Forbes,
1 Mar. 2025
Noun
-
Boards must prioritize their own development through continuous learning and reflection, aligning their composition and contributions with modern organizational needs.—
Glenn Llopis,
Forbes,
8 Mar. 2025
-
But the reflection on the water from the burning debris was quite pretty!—
Mike Wall,
Space.com,
7 Mar. 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
-
Singing on the beach under the stars may not stop people (or me) from questioning the legitimacy of my Asian identity, but these moments bond me to the community and culture of my grandparents.—
Acacia Gabriel,
Travel + Leisure,
23 Dec. 2024
Cite this Entry
“Pondering.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/pondering. Accessed 16 Mar. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share