Ponder vs Scrutinize - What's the difference?

As verbs the difference between ponder and scrutinize

is that ponder is to wonder, to think of deeply while scrutinize is to examine something with great care.

(en verb)

To wonder, to think of deeply.

To consider (something) carefully and thoroughly; to chew over, to mull over.

I have spent days pondering the meaning of life.

* Bible, Proverbs iv. 26

Ponder the path of thy feet.

(obsolete) To weigh.

* chew over * mull over * See also

* *

* scrutinise (Commonwealth)

(en-verb)

To examine something with great care.

to scrutinize the conduct or motives of individuals

* Ayliffe

whose votes they were obliged to scrutinize

* G. W. Cable

Those pronounced him youngest who scrutinized his face the closest.

To audit accounts etc in order to verify them.