ponderable

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
  • But before checking for ripeness, start by inspecting the pineapple for any obvious signs of damage or spoilage, including bruising, soft spots, wrinkled skin, or dry, brown leaves.
    Katie Rosenhouse, Southern Living, 22 June 2025
  • This is an obvious chips-in move for them after their half-court offense face-planted against the Golden State Warriors in the first round of the playoffs.
    John Hollinger, New York Times, 22 June 2025
Adjective
  • Panahi has been the most prominent and consistent artistic voice in Iran against the current regime.
    Zac Ntim, Deadline, 18 June 2025
  • The president also sought to push back on prominent MAGA voices who've been outspoken about the U.S. not getting involved in the war between Israel and Iran.
    Rachel Scott, ABC News, 18 June 2025
Adjective
  • The neighborhoods with the most billboards — and the most conspicuous billboards — include Pacific Beach, several stretches of El Cajon Boulevard and the Midway District near the city’s sports arena.
    David Garrick, San Diego Union-Tribune, 24 June 2025
  • And so the quiet in that clubhouse Thursday night, as players sat expressionless at their lockers, looking down at their phones, felt all the more conspicuous.
    Tim Britton, New York Times, 20 June 2025
Adjective
  • As sheriff, Tony has shown a striking lack of political awareness with his spending requests.
    Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 28 June 2025
  • Fans backed Asuka during a striking battle, which ended with a stiff backhand from Asuka punctuated by a Codebreaker.
    Alfred Konuwa, Forbes.com, 28 June 2025
Adjective
  • Similar parents commenting on Diwa's post said the switch made a noticeable difference in their own homes, with several sharing anecdotes of improved moods and calmer transitions to offscreen activities.
    Melissa Fleur Afshar, MSNBC Newsweek, 24 June 2025
  • Whereas androgenetic alopecia is characterized by the shrinking of hair follicles, which leads to thin, barely noticeable hair, the key indicators of CCCA are inflammation and damage to the follicles.
    Sierra Leone Starks, Allure, 24 June 2025
Adjective
  • The Turchin family’s lifelong passion for art and design was evident across all the rooms.
    Kate Van Dyke, Travel + Leisure, 28 June 2025
  • That reality is evident almost just from the scale.
    Justin Worland, Time, 27 June 2025
Adjective
  • That is the promise of the America-first agenda made manifest.
    Mohammed Soliman, MSNBC Newsweek, 29 Apr. 2025
  • The arbitrator's award is usually final since the courts may only review an arbitration award for some very serious error, sometimes known as manifest error, such as where the arbitration process in a particular case was corrupt or if the arbitrator exceeds his or her authority.
    Jay Adkisson, Forbes.com, 11 June 2025
Adjective
  • Crafting: Explore knitting, woodworking, jewelry making or home décor projects that produce tangible, valuable results.
    Caroline Castrillon, Forbes.com, 20 June 2025
  • Rutte’s approach also seems to be yielding tangible results.
    Adam Rasmi, Time, 20 June 2025
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 1 Jul. 2025.

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