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
  • Sure enough, all tires were up and there were no obvious punctures or hissing sounds.
    Doug Turnbull, AJC.com, 28 June 2026
  • One of the first obvious things was that Larry is the guy who told Lincoln to go see that play.
    Ethan Shanfeld, Variety, 27 June 2026
Adjective
  • His father, Manuel Cepeda, was a prominent figure in the Colombian Communist Party, and was assassinated in 1994 during a particularly bloody era in Colombia's internal conflict.
    David Unsworth, FOXNews.com, 23 June 2026
  • The chatbot’s responses include citations and prominent links to news outlets.
    Brian Stelter, CNN Money, 23 June 2026
Adjective
  • Other discounters step up Spirit’s other rivals in the discount category also have been conspicuous in their additions, essentially upholding the airport’s tradition of being the state’s mainstay for budget carriers.
    David Lyons, Sun Sentinel, 22 June 2026
  • Massage scheduling communications One of the most conspicuous absences is communication relating to the scheduling of massages in the years prior to Epstein's death.
    Daniel Ruetenik, CBS News, 19 June 2026
Adjective
  • One of the most striking aspects of Ecuador's team today is that all but three of its starting 11 were born before the turn of the century.
    Andrew Greif, NBC news, 26 June 2026
  • This softly layered crop proves that shorter hair can be just as striking as longer styles.
    Amanda Le, InStyle, 25 June 2026
Adjective
  • Evolutionary cues, emotional encoding and genetics all converge in how partners experience each other’s smell, and a noticeable shift in that experience may be worth paying attention to.
    Lauren Jarvis-Gibson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 23 June 2026
  • After 12 weeks, the results suggested that a tiny dose of regular exercise could yield noticeable physical benefits.
    Khloe Quill, FOXNews.com, 23 June 2026
Adjective
  • Eiglarsh added that while the suffering of the families was evident throughout the trial, the defense successfully argued that the crash was a tragic accident.
    Nikiya Carrero, CBS News, 24 June 2026
  • As part of this shift, Cuban officers are opting to train soldiers in guerrilla tactics rather than conventional warfare — a strategic departure corroborated by Cancian that is also evident in the footage.
    Avery Schmitz, CNN Money, 24 June 2026
Adjective
  • 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
  • That contrast was also manifest in the relative outcomes; the White House only belatedly announced deals for the sale of 200 Boeing jets and at least $17 billion of American agricultural products annually to China through 2028.
    Charlie Campbell, Time, 20 May 2026
Adjective
  • And they were given little information about the tangible, systems-level improvements in people’s lives that Blue Zones Project has produced in communities where it’s been put into practice.
    Torie Bosch, STAT, 20 June 2026
  • Of the many cruel aspects of slavery, the shackles used to restrain and dehumanize more than12 million Africans across three centuries may be the most visceral tangible reminder.
    Terry Tang, Los Angeles Times, 19 June 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 28 Jun. 2026.

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