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
  • His first season with Bayern Munich, after leaving Liverpool in summer 2023, brought decent numbers but obvious tactical issues, leading to a sale to Al Nassr of Saudi Arabia for nearly the same fee a year later.
    Anantaajith Raghuraman, New York Times, 13 Aug. 2026
  • Film noir is the most obvious one, and much of the episode takes both its visual cues and its tone from classic noir.
    Keith Phipps, Vulture, 13 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • Hidemasa Morita, the 31-year-old Japan midfielder signed from Lisbon’s Sporting CP, is struggling to build fitness in pre-season but is expected to be a prominent figure in a holding role.
    Chris Weatherspoon, New York Times, 14 Aug. 2026
  • Since his primary win, Lahn has met with party leaders and Iowa's prominent industry groups.
    ABC News, ABC News, 14 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • Long-standing favorites like Trap-Jaw, Tri-Klops, and Mer-Man were conspicuous by their absence.
    Richard Edwards, Space.com, 12 Aug. 2026
  • There, his deft use of crane shots and tracking shots was worked out with conspicuous formalist rigor—exactly nine shots of about the same ten-minute length—to form a portrait of a young writer in Baltimore.
    Richard Brody, New Yorker, 11 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • Jeffrey’s look flowed beautifully and his design was striking.
    Roxana Hadadi, Vulture, 14 Aug. 2026
  • Coach Regis Le Bris appears to have quelled that for this summer, citing a lack of other striking options beyond Brian Brobbey in a season where his side have European football to contend with on top of domestic matters.
    Chris Weatherspoon, New York Times, 14 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • Guerrero’s struggles have been particularly noticeable, creating an unusual disconnect between his superstar status and his production.
    Peter Chawaga, Forbes.com, 9 Aug. 2026
  • In September, visitors can enjoy temperatures similar to July and August, but with a noticeable lack of people vying for prime sunset seating and fewer traffic and parking challenges.
    Lindsay Cohn, Travel + Leisure, 9 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • Speaking of Sugar’s caseload, Season 2’s improvements are evident beyond the inevitable advantages of outing him as an alien.
    Ben Travers, IndieWire, 7 Aug. 2026
  • No one in this film has a moral core, which is especially evident in the film’s ending.
    Roxana Hadadi, Vulture, 7 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • To enter this anniversary uncritically — wrapped in flags and the mythology of manifest destiny — is to be bamboozled.
    Otis Moss III, Chicago Tribune, 28 June 2026
  • In a sport where just one player can change lives and where a market like theirs should offer a manifest destiny, the team delivered, mostly, pain.
    Mike Vorkunov, New York Times, 14 June 2026
Adjective
  • These successful firms prioritize solving specific business problems with AI, measuring success in tangible metrics like productivity or customer satisfaction, rather than simply deploying the technology.
    Bernard Marr, Forbes.com, 10 Aug. 2026
  • The show that wins could gain more confidence to pursue MAGA — which could have a tangible impact on the elections (and, yes, drive Trump even crazier).
    Steven Zeitchik, HollywoodReporter, 9 Aug. 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 16 Aug. 2026.

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