Difference between Contemplate and Ponder

CONTEMPLATE vs PONDER: NOUN

Reflect deeply on a subject
Think intently and at length, as for spiritual purposes
Consider as a possibility
Look at thoughtfully; observe deep in thought
To consider as a possibility.
To think about something in a concentrated manner or for an extended period of time. To think deeply about something; to ponder or consider.

To consider or have in view, as contingent or probable; to look forward to; to purpose; to intend.
To look at on all sides or in all its bearings; to view or consider with continued attention; to regard with deliberate care; to meditate on; to study.

To weigh.
To weigh in the mind; to view with deliberation; to examine carefully; to consider attentively.

To view, look at, or observe with continued attention.
To consider with continued attention; reflect upon; ponder; study; meditate on.
To consider or have in view, as a future act or event; intend.
To regard; consider.
Synonyms To consider, meditate upon, muse upon, reflect upon, ponder; dwell upon, think about. To design, plan, purpose.
To think studiously; study; muse; meditate; consider deliberately.
Observe deep in thought
Look at thoughtfully

To think; muse; reflect; deliberate: with on or over: as, to ponder over what one has heard.
Synonyms To consider, reflect upon, etc. See list under contemplate.
To weigh carefully in the mind; consider carefully; think about; reflect upon.
I. To weigh.

Envision, Envisage, Imagine, Consider, Think over, Chew over, Mull over, Study, Muse, Reflect, Meditate, Speculate, Ruminate, Mull, Ponder

Explore, Examine, Rethink, Consider, Wonder, Chew over, Mull over, Think over, Reflect, Muse, Meditate, Speculate, Ruminate, Mull, Contemplate

Explore, Foresee, Envisage, Imagine, Consider, Think over, Chew over, Study, Muse, Reflect, Meditate, Speculate, Ruminate, Mull, Ponder

Think, Weigh, Explore, Examine, Consider, Wonder, Think over, Chew over, Reflect, Muse, Meditate, Speculate, Ruminate, Mull, Contemplate

Instead, take the time to contemplate your answer.
Legislature seriously would contemplate adopting such a system.
Italian legal system does not contemplate this composition.
September, refused to contemplate the possibility of withdrawal.
This case does not contemplate child pornography, period.
Americans could hardly contemplate this level of sacrifice.
Crosby, however, seldom bothers to contemplate his future.
Howard steadfastly refused to contemplate an official apology.
Always contemplate on the fundamental principle of life.
If you contemplate at ease, you are a Bodhisattva; if you do not contemplate at ease, you are an ordinary person.

Stop for a second and ponder this question.
Ponder on this tonight as you sleep, muah.
Pursuing this question, people might ponder these thoughts.
Ponder, Sisters, Francine, Mary Louise and Jo Nell.
He gave the people a puzzle to ponder.
Congress should ponder in designing policy on thisscore.
But something to ponder for a future article.
Give them time to ponder your brilliant message.
Analysts and politicians alike ponder, what went wrong?
Where we ponder the different types of mobile devices we can buy, regions in Africa and Asia ponder where their next meal will come.