ponderable

Definition of ponderablenext

Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective ponderable contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of ponderable are appreciable, palpable, perceptible, sensible, and tangible. While all these words mean "apprehensible as real or existent," ponderable suggests having definitely measurable weight or importance.

exerted a ponderable influence on world events

When could appreciable be used to replace ponderable?

In some situations, the words appreciable and ponderable are roughly equivalent. However, appreciable applies to what is distinctly discernible by the senses or definitely measurable.

an appreciable increase in income

Where would palpable be a reasonable alternative to ponderable?

The meanings of palpable and ponderable largely overlap; however, palpable applies either to what has physical substance or to what is obvious and unmistakable.

the tension in the air was almost palpable

When can perceptible be used instead of ponderable?

The synonyms perceptible and ponderable are sometimes interchangeable, but perceptible applies to what can be discerned by the senses often to a minimal extent.

a perceptible difference in sound to a careful listener

When is sensible a more appropriate choice than ponderable?

While the synonyms sensible and ponderable are close in meaning, sensible applies to whatever is clearly apprehended through the senses or impresses itself strongly on the mind.

an abrupt, sensible drop in temperature

When might tangible be a better fit than ponderable?

The words tangible and ponderable are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, tangible suggests what is capable of being handled or grasped both physically and mentally.

no tangible evidence of UFOs

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of Synonyms for ponderable
Adjective
  • Make kind choices and keep boundaries obvious.
    Tarot.com, Sun Sentinel, 12 Apr. 2026
  • That said, the presence of companies concerned with defense, security, and sensitive radar systems among the apparent ultimate targets raises obvious red flags.
    Jessica Klein, PC Magazine, 11 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • Take, for example, Wiseman's words on one of Orientale's prominent features.
    Mike Wall, Space.com, 7 Apr. 2026
  • George Welsh’s father, James, was a prominent and wealthy real estate magnate in Kansas City.
    Patrick Salland, Kansas City Star, 7 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • This could be because the economic violence that targets civilians is less conspicuous than the violence of armed conflict.
    Mark Weisbrot, Mercury News, 8 Apr. 2026
  • His purge of senior officers who are Black or female has been conspicuous.
    Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 8 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • For those who know the play well, some of Mantello’s choices are most striking, especially the horror here of the famous hotel-room scene with a tawdry lover (brutally played by Katherine Romans), an act born of loneliness that destroys a father’s relationship with his son forever.
    Chris Jones, New York Daily News, 10 Apr. 2026
  • Get lost among the pines and palmettos of an ancient maritime forest at Hunting Island State Park, catch a striking sunset over the Beaufort River, and marvel at the columns and sweeping porches of stately mansions on Historic Craven Street.
    Tara Massouleh McCay, Southern Living, 9 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • Nigel Hughes, who tracks housing markets across the country, says there has already been a noticeable shift.
    Brad Hamilton, CBS News, 8 Apr. 2026
  • But political observers say many Georgia taxpayers could see a noticeable reduction in taxes in the years ahead.
    David Wickert, AJC.com, 7 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • But the picture-perfect rancher’s paradise of Stockyards City is true to its stripes—and nowhere is this more evident than at Cattlemen’s.
    Katie Akin, Southern Living, 7 Apr. 2026
  • That Cobb learned this lesson well was evident as Tony drove us around, pointing out signs of recent change that coexist with the 19th-century churches and school buildings.
    Akash Kapur, Travel + Leisure, 7 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • But in the scene where Willy asks for a job in town, not schlepping every week to New England, all the fears of the older worker are manifest.
    Chris Jones, New York Daily News, 10 Apr. 2026
  • Like Jacobs, Coppola is highly invested in fashion, an interest that is manifest in her work.
    Naomi Fry, New Yorker, 21 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • That is a tangible piece of culture that Close and the coaching staff can always savor.
    Sabreena Merchant, New York Times, 6 Apr. 2026
  • For America, the war effort will incur different costs—ones that are less tangible and less immediate.
    Idrees Kahloon, The Atlantic, 5 Apr. 2026
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.

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Cite this Entry

“Ponderable.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/ponderable. Accessed 12 Apr. 2026.

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