Top 60 Slang For Thinking Over – Meaning & Usage

When it comes to reflecting on life’s challenges or pondering over decisions, having the right words to express that process can make all the difference. In this article, we’ve curated a list of the top slang terms for thinking over that will not only expand your vocabulary but also give you a fresh perspective on introspection. Let’s dive in and explore the colorful language of contemplation that’s sure to resonate with many of us.

Click above to generate some slangs

1. Chew on

To “chew on” something means to carefully consider or think about it. It implies taking the time to fully understand and analyze a situation or idea.

For example, “I need some time to chew on this proposal before making a decision.”
A friend might say, “That’s an interesting perspective. I’ll have to chew on that for a while.”
In a business meeting, someone might suggest, “Let’s chew on this idea and reconvene tomorrow with our thoughts.”

2. Mull over

To “mull over” something means to think about it deeply or consider it carefully. It implies taking the time to weigh the pros and cons or to reflect on various aspects of a situation.

For instance, “I need some time to mull over whether or not to accept the job offer.”
A person might say, “I’ve been mulling over the idea of starting my own business for a while now.”
In a group discussion, someone might suggest, “Let’s mull over all the options before making a decision.”

3. Ponder

To “ponder” something means to reflect or meditate on it. It implies deep thought or contemplation and often involves considering different possibilities or outcomes.

For example, “I like to sit by the lake and ponder the meaning of life.”
A person might say, “I need some time to ponder whether or not to take that trip.”
In a philosophical conversation, someone might ask, “Have you ever pondered the nature of reality?”

4. Contemplate

To “contemplate” something means to consider or think deeply about it. It implies a more intentional and focused form of thinking, often involving weighing different options or possibilities.

For instance, “I need some quiet time to contemplate my next career move.”
A person might say, “I like to sit on the beach and contemplate the vastness of the ocean.”
In a decision-making process, someone might suggest, “Let’s contemplate all the potential outcomes before making a choice.”

5. Reflect on

To “reflect on” something means to think about or ponder it. It implies introspection or looking back on past experiences or events.

For example, “I like to reflect on the lessons I’ve learned from my mistakes.”
A person might say, “I need some time to reflect on what I want out of life.”
In a therapy session, someone might be encouraged to “reflect on their childhood and how it has shaped them.”

6. Ruminate

To think deeply or carefully about something. “Ruminate” implies a slow and deliberate process of contemplation.

For example, “I need some time to ruminate on this decision before I make up my mind.”
A person might say, “I like to ruminate on a problem before coming up with a solution.”
In a discussion about personal growth, someone might say, “I find that journaling helps me ruminate on my thoughts and emotions.”

7. Deliberate

To carefully consider or discuss something before making a decision. “Deliberate” suggests a thoughtful and intentional process of examination.

For instance, “Let’s deliberate on the pros and cons of each option before deciding.”
A group of colleagues might deliberate on the best course of action for a project.
In a legal setting, a jury might deliberate on a verdict after hearing all the evidence.

8. Meditate

To engage in deep thought or contemplation, often with a focus on mindfulness or spiritual connection. “Meditate” involves a deliberate and intentional practice of mental reflection.

For example, “I like to meditate in the morning to start my day with a clear mind.”
A person might say, “Meditating helps me find inner peace and clarity.”
In a discussion about stress relief, someone might recommend, “Try meditating for a few minutes each day to calm your mind and reduce anxiety.”

9. Brainstorm

To generate ideas or solutions through a group or individual thinking process. “Brainstorm” involves a creative and collaborative approach to problem-solving or idea generation.

For instance, “Let’s have a brainstorming session to come up with new marketing strategies.”
A team might brainstorm ideas for a new product design.
In a discussion about innovation, someone might say, “Brainstorming is a great way to tap into collective creativity and find unique solutions.”

10. Consider

To think about or take into account when making a decision or forming an opinion. “Consider” suggests a careful and thoughtful evaluation of various factors.

For example, “I will consider your proposal before giving you a definitive answer.”
A person might say, “Consider all the possible outcomes before making a choice.”
In a discussion about empathy, someone might advise, “Consider how your words and actions may impact others before speaking or acting.”

11. Evaluate

To carefully examine and judge the value, importance, or quality of something or someone.

For example, a teacher might say, “I will evaluate your performance based on your understanding of the material.”
In a business context, a manager might say, “We need to evaluate the success of our marketing campaign.”
A movie critic might write, “I will evaluate the film based on its plot, acting, and cinematography.”

12. Analyze

To study in detail or break down a complex subject or situation into its constituent parts in order to understand it better.

For instance, a scientist might say, “We need to analyze the data to draw meaningful conclusions.”
A detective might analyze a crime scene for evidence and clues.
In a psychology class, students might analyze a case study to understand the underlying factors.

13. Brood

To think deeply and at length about something, often with a negative or gloomy focus.

For example, a person might brood over a past mistake and feel regret.
In a novel, a character might brood over a difficult decision they need to make.
A parent might say to their child, “Don’t brood over your failures, learn from them and move on.”

14. Musing

The act of thinking or reflecting deeply and quietly, often in a dreamy or abstract manner.

For instance, a poet might spend hours in musing, searching for inspiration.
During a long walk in nature, a person might find themselves lost in musing about life’s big questions.
A philosopher might engage in deep musing about the nature of existence.

15. Rethink

To think again or review a decision, plan, or belief, often with the intention of making changes or improvements.

For example, after receiving feedback, a writer might need to rethink their approach to a story.
A company might rethink its marketing strategy after a product fails to gain traction.
A person might say, “I need to rethink my priorities and make some changes in my life.”

16. Speculate

To speculate means to form a theory or guess about something without having all the facts. It often involves thinking over various possibilities or potential outcomes.

For example, “I can only speculate about what happened to the missing money.”
In a discussion about a future event, someone might say, “Let’s speculate on who will win the upcoming election.”
A sports fan might speculate, “I wonder if the team will make any big trades during the off-season.”

17. Review

To review means to carefully examine or assess something. It involves thinking over the details or components of a particular subject or object.

For instance, “I need to review my notes before the exam.”
A movie critic might write, “I will review the latest blockbuster film.”
Someone might say, “I’m going to review the proposal before making a decision.”

18. Scrutinize

To scrutinize means to examine or inspect something closely and carefully. It involves thinking over the details or aspects of a particular subject or object with a critical eye.

For example, “The detective scrutinized the crime scene for any clues.”
In a discussion about a controversial topic, someone might say, “Let’s scrutinize the evidence before coming to a conclusion.”
A teacher might scrutinize a student’s essay for errors and improvements.

19. Cogitate

To cogitate means to think deeply or ponder over something. It involves reflecting or mulling over various ideas or thoughts.

For instance, “I need some quiet time to cogitate on this problem.”
A philosopher might cogitate on the meaning of life.
Someone might say, “I need to cogitate before making a decision.”

20. Assess

To assess means to evaluate or analyze something carefully. It involves thinking over the qualities or characteristics of a particular subject or object.

For example, “The teacher will assess the students’ understanding through a test.”
In a business context, someone might say, “We need to assess the market before launching a new product.”
A doctor might assess a patient’s symptoms to make a diagnosis.

21. Engage in

This phrase is often used to describe actively participating in or involving oneself in a particular activity or discussion.

For example, “I like to engage in deep conversations about philosophy.”
A person might say, “Let’s engage in a brainstorming session to come up with new ideas.”
In a business context, someone might suggest, “We should engage in strategic planning to improve our company’s performance.”

22. Reflect

To reflect means to think deeply or carefully about something, often in order to gain a better understanding or to consider different perspectives.

For instance, “I need some time to reflect on what you’ve said.”
A person might say, “I like to reflect on my experiences and learn from them.”
In a journal entry, someone might write, “I took a moment to reflect on the events of the day.”

23. Ponder on

Pondering on something means to think about or consider it carefully, often with a sense of curiosity or contemplation.

For example, “I often ponder on the meaning of life.”
A person might say, “I need some time to ponder on this decision before I make up my mind.”
In a philosophical discussion, someone might ask, “Have you ever pondered on the nature of reality?”

24. Dwell on

To dwell on something means to think or talk about it for a long time, often with a sense of fixation or obsession.

For instance, “Don’t dwell on your mistakes; learn from them and move on.”
A person might say, “He tends to dwell on negative experiences and let them affect his mood.”
In a therapy session, someone might encourage, “Let’s explore why you dwell on certain thoughts and how it impacts your well-being.”

25. Mull

To mull over something means to consider or think about it deeply and at length, often with a sense of deliberation or contemplation.

For example, “I need some time to mull over the options before making a decision.”
A person might say, “I like to mull over my ideas before sharing them with others.”
In a creative process, someone might suggest, “Let’s mull over different concepts and see which one resonates the most.”

26. Puzzle over

To spend time trying to understand or solve a difficult problem or situation.

For example, “I’ve been puzzling over this math equation for hours and still can’t figure it out.”
A person might say, “I need some time to puzzle over this decision before I make up my mind.”
In a discussion about a complex issue, someone might ask, “Can we take a moment to puzzle over the different perspectives involved?”

27. Pore over

To study or examine something closely and in detail.

For instance, “I spent hours poring over the contract to make sure there were no hidden clauses.”
A student might say, “I need to pore over my notes before the exam tomorrow.”
In a research project, someone might comment, “I’ve been poring over these articles to find relevant information for my study.”

28. Riff on

To expand or develop an idea or concept in a creative or improvisational manner.

For example, “The comedian riffed on current events during his stand-up routine.”
During a brainstorming session, someone might say, “Let’s riff on this idea and see where it takes us.”
In a music jam session, a musician might suggest, “Let’s start with a simple riff and then build upon it.”

29. Turn over in one’s mind

To think about something deeply and consider it from different angles or perspectives.

For instance, “I need some time to turn over this job offer in my mind before I make a decision.”
A person might say, “I’ve been turning over the idea of starting my own business for a while now.”
In a philosophical discussion, someone might ask, “Have you ever turned over the concept of free will in your mind?”

30. Chew the cud

To mull over or think about something slowly and deliberately.

For example, “I like to chew the cud before making important decisions.”
A person might say, “Let me chew the cud on that idea and get back to you.”
In a group discussion, someone might suggest, “We should take some time to chew the cud on this topic and come back with fresh perspectives.”

31. Give some thought to

This phrase means to think about something carefully or to give it serious consideration.

For example, “I’ll give some thought to your proposal and get back to you.”
A friend might advise, “You should give some thought to your career goals before making a decision.”
In a discussion about a difficult problem, someone might say, “Let’s all give some thought to possible solutions.”

32. Turn the matter over in one’s mind

This phrase means to think about a particular matter or issue, usually in a deliberate and careful manner.

For instance, “I need to turn the matter over in my mind before I can make a decision.”
A person might say, “I’ve been turning the matter over in my mind all night and still can’t come to a conclusion.”
In a discussion about a complex problem, someone might suggest, “Let’s all take some time to turn the matter over in our minds before we discuss it further.”

33. Sleep on it

This phrase means to delay making a decision or judgment until the next day, after having had time to think about it during sleep.

For example, “I’m not sure if I should accept the job offer. I think I’ll sleep on it.”
A friend might advise, “Whenever you have a big decision to make, it’s always a good idea to sleep on it.”
In a discussion about a difficult choice, someone might say, “I’ll sleep on it and let you know my decision in the morning.”

34. Wrestle with

This phrase means to mentally struggle with a problem, decision, or concept, often implying that it is challenging or difficult to resolve.

For instance, “I’ve been wrestling with this ethical dilemma for weeks.”
A person might say, “I’m still wrestling with the decision. It’s not an easy choice.”
In a discussion about a complex issue, someone might admit, “I’m still wrestling with the concept. I don’t fully understand it yet.”

35. Mull it over

This phrase means to think about something deeply or carefully, often suggesting a process of reflection or consideration.

For example, “I need some time to mull it over before I can give you an answer.”
A friend might advise, “Whenever you’re faced with a difficult decision, take some time to mull it over.”
In a discussion about a complex problem, someone might say, “Let’s all mull it over and reconvene tomorrow with our thoughts.”

36. Let it sink in

This phrase means to give yourself time to fully understand or absorb something. It suggests taking a moment to allow the information or situation to become clear or meaningful.

For example, after receiving surprising news, someone might say, “I need to let it sink in before I can respond.”
In a discussion about a complex concept, a person might advise, “Take your time and let it sink in before forming an opinion.”
When sharing an important life lesson, someone might say, “Sometimes, you just need to let it sink in for the true impact to be felt.”

37. Let it percolate

This phrase means to give yourself time to think about something, often in a relaxed or subconscious manner. It suggests allowing ideas or thoughts to develop naturally and gradually.

For instance, when brainstorming ideas for a project, someone might say, “Let’s let it percolate overnight and reconvene tomorrow.”
In a creative writing process, a person might advise, “If you’re stuck on a plot point, let it percolate for a while and the solution may come to you.”
When considering a difficult decision, someone might say, “I need to let it percolate before I can make up my mind.”

38. Take a moment to think

This phrase means to give yourself a brief period of time to consider or contemplate something. It suggests taking a moment of quiet introspection to gather your thoughts or make a decision.

For example, during a heated debate, a moderator might say, “Let’s take a moment to think before responding.”
In a personal reflection, someone might say, “I took a moment to think and realized I needed to make a change.”
When facing a difficult choice, a person might advise, “Take a moment to think about what truly matters to you before making a decision.”

39. Give it a think

This phrase means to spend time considering or reflecting on something. It suggests actively engaging your mind and thoughts to arrive at a conclusion or understanding.

For instance, when asked for an immediate response, someone might say, “Let me give it a think and get back to you.”
In a group discussion, a person might say, “Before we decide, let’s all give it a think and share our thoughts.”
When faced with a challenging problem, someone might advise, “Take some time to give it a think and explore different possible solutions.”

40. Take stock of

This phrase means to carefully consider or review a situation or set of circumstances. It suggests taking a step back to assess the current state of affairs and make informed decisions moving forward.

For example, after completing a project, a team might say, “Let’s take stock of what went well and what could be improved.”
In a personal reflection, a person might say, “I took stock of my priorities and decided to make some changes in my life.”
When facing a difficult situation, someone might advise, “Take a moment to take stock of the options available to you before taking action.”

41. Turn it over in one’s mind

This phrase means to think about something carefully or thoroughly.

For example, “I need to turn it over in my mind before making a decision.”
A person might say, “I turned it over in my mind all night, but I still couldn’t come up with a solution.”
Someone might advise, “Take your time and turn it over in your mind before responding.”

42. Let it simmer

This phrase suggests allowing thoughts or ideas to develop naturally over time.

For instance, “I’m going to let it simmer for a while before I decide.”
A person might say, “I find that letting ideas simmer in the back of my mind often leads to better solutions.”
Someone might advise, “When faced with a difficult problem, let it simmer and see what insights come to you.”

43. Meditate on

This phrase means to engage in deep thought or contemplation on a particular topic.

For example, “I need to meditate on this issue and find some clarity.”
A person might say, “I often meditate on important decisions before taking action.”
Someone might suggest, “Take some time to meditate on the situation and see what insights arise.”

44. Brood over

This phrase refers to thinking about something in a negative or obsessive manner.

For instance, “He tends to brood over his mistakes and never lets them go.”
A person might say, “I don’t want to brood over this issue and let it consume me.”
Someone might caution, “Try not to brood over past failures and focus on moving forward.”

45. Noodle on

This phrase means to think about something casually or in a lighthearted manner.

For example, “I’ll have to noodle on that idea and see if it has any merit.”
A person might say, “I like to noodle on different possibilities before making a decision.”
Someone might suggest, “Just noodle on it for a bit and see what comes to mind.”

46. Hash out

To hash out means to discuss and resolve a problem or issue through conversation or negotiation.

For example, “Let’s hash out the details of the project in our next meeting.”
During a team meeting, someone might suggest, “We need to hash out a solution to this problem.”
In a group discussion, a participant might say, “We’ve been hashing out different ideas, but we still haven’t reached a consensus.”

47. Sleep on

To sleep on means to take time to consider something overnight before making a decision or forming an opinion.

For instance, “I’m not sure about this offer. I think I’ll sleep on it.”
After a long day of brainstorming, someone might say, “Let’s sleep on these ideas and reconvene tomorrow.”
A friend might advise, “If you’re unsure about what to do, it’s always best to sleep on it and see how you feel in the morning.”

48. Give it some thought

To give it some thought means to consider something carefully or ponder it before making a decision or taking action.

For example, “I’ll give it some thought and let you know my decision.”
When faced with a difficult choice, someone might say, “I need to give this some thought before I can give you an answer.”
A teacher might advise a student, “Take your time and give the question some thought before answering.”

49. Let it stew

To let it stew means to allow a situation or problem to simmer or develop on its own without immediate action or intervention.

For instance, “I’m not sure how to handle this issue. I think I’ll let it stew for a while.”
When faced with a disagreement, someone might say, “Let’s let it stew and come back to it when we’ve had some time to think.”
A supervisor might advise, “Rather than rushing to a solution, sometimes it’s best to let the problem stew and see if any new ideas or perspectives emerge.”

50. Let it steep

To let it steep means to allow a thought or idea to soak in or be absorbed over time, much like steeping tea leaves in hot water.

For example, “I just shared my proposal. I’ll let it steep and see what feedback I receive.”
When discussing a new concept, someone might say, “Let’s let it steep in our minds and reconvene tomorrow to discuss.”
A mentor might advise, “Sometimes the best ideas come to us when we let them steep and marinate in our minds for a while.”

51. Let it mull

This phrase means to take time to think about something before making a decision or taking action.

For example, “I need to let it mull before I decide whether to accept the job offer.”
A person might say, “Let it mull over the weekend and we’ll discuss it on Monday.”
Another might advise, “If you’re unsure, it’s best to let it mull for a while before committing.”

52. Let it cogitate

This phrase means to engage in deep or careful thought about something.

For instance, “I need to let it cogitate before I come up with a solution.”
A person might say, “Let it cogitate overnight and we’ll reconvene in the morning.”
Another might suggest, “Before making a decision, it’s important to let it cogitate and consider all the possible outcomes.”

53. Let it muse

This phrase means to engage in thoughtful or contemplative thinking about something.

For example, “I need to let it muse before I can give you an answer.”
A person might say, “Let it muse for a while and see if any new ideas come up.”
Another might advise, “When faced with a difficult decision, it’s helpful to let it muse and listen to your intuition.”

54. Let it deliberate

This phrase means to carefully think about or discuss something before making a decision.

For instance, “Let’s let it deliberate before we finalize our plans.”
A person might say, “I need to let it deliberate before I can give you my opinion.”
Another might suggest, “When faced with a tough choice, it’s important to let it deliberate and weigh all the pros and cons.”

55. Let it reflect

This phrase means to engage in deep thought or contemplation about something.

For example, “I need to let it reflect before I can offer any insights.”
A person might say, “Let it reflect for a while and see if any new perspectives emerge.”
Another might advise, “When faced with a challenging situation, it’s important to let it reflect and consider all the possible angles.”

56. Let it contemplate

This phrase is used to encourage someone to think deeply or reflect on a particular matter.

For example, “I’m not sure what decision to make. I think I’ll let it contemplate for a while.”
In a discussion about a complex problem, someone might say, “Instead of rushing to a conclusion, let’s let it contemplate and gather more information.”
A friend might advise, “If you’re feeling overwhelmed, just let it contemplate and trust that the answer will come to you.”

57. Let it ponder

This phrase suggests taking time to think about or consider something carefully.

For instance, “I’m not sure if I should accept the job offer. I need to let it ponder.”
In a brainstorming session, someone might say, “Let’s throw out some ideas and then let it ponder before making a decision.”
A teacher might encourage a student, “If you’re unsure about the answer, let it ponder for a moment before responding.”

58. Let it brood

This phrase implies allowing a particular thought or idea to occupy one’s mind for an extended period.

For example, “I can’t stop thinking about what happened. I need to let it brood.”
In a discussion about a challenging problem, someone might say, “Instead of immediately seeking a solution, let’s let it brood and see if any new insights emerge.”
A writer might say, “When I’m stuck on a story, I let it brood in my mind until inspiration strikes.”

59. Let it evaluate

This phrase suggests giving something time to be examined or considered carefully.

For instance, “I’m not sure if this strategy is effective. Let’s let it evaluate for a few weeks and see the results.”
In a business meeting, someone might say, “Before implementing any changes, let’s let it evaluate and gather feedback from the team.”
A researcher might explain, “To ensure the validity of our findings, we need to let it evaluate through rigorous testing.”

60. Let it puzzle

This phrase implies giving something time to be thought about or considered in order to understand or solve it.

For example, “I don’t understand this math problem. I need to let it puzzle for a while.”
In a group discussion, someone might say, “Instead of immediately providing the answer, let’s let it puzzle and encourage everyone to think critically.”
A detective might say, “When faced with a challenging case, I let it puzzle in my mind until I uncover the truth.”