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
  • Chapman followed with an RBI single, and the crowd cheered as many fans jumped to their feet in obvious relief.
    CBS News, CBS News, 28 Mar. 2026
  • The voice on Lars’s tablet insisted that teaching was one of the most obvious tasks to delegate to humanoids.
    Alexandra Petri, The Atlantic, 27 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • Strangely, as social media has moved from the text of status updates and tweets to short video, verbal commentary has actually grown more prominent and more viral.
    Jay Caspian Kang, New Yorker, 31 Mar. 2026
  • Piker is one of the few prominent left-wing voices operating in digital spaces where young men congregate.
    Jesus Mesa, MSNBC Newsweek, 31 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • Its stalk is snappable, its fragrance is delightful, and its bright beauty is highly conspicuous.
    Big Think, Big Think, 31 Mar. 2026
  • Any indication of a new deal has been conspicuous so far by its absence.
    Andy Naylor, New York Times, 30 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • These companies shared striking similarities.
    Antonio María Delgado, Miami Herald, 27 Mar. 2026
  • That package adds the Z06’s striking and functional carbon-fiber accoutrements, including aero dive planes and a splitter up front, side rockers, underbody strakes, and an aggressive rear wing.
    Lawrence Ulrich, Robb Report, 26 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • Use the dome light and flashers to make your vehicle more noticeable.
    CA Weather Bot, Sacbee.com, 1 Apr. 2026
  • Add in limited ventilation and the fact that windows usually can’t be opened freely, and the effects can quickly become noticeable.
    Lydia Patrick, MSNBC Newsweek, 31 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • Ri’s process is evident in the surfaces themselves — scratched, layered, built up, and worn down.
    Olga Garcia-Mayoral, Miami Herald, 31 Mar. 2026
  • Wilson’s Defense of Batula Amid Kyle Cooke Drama Wilson’s closeness to Batula was already evident to viewers this season, particularly during a tense on‑camera argument between Batula and Cooke that escalated late one night.
    Jenni Fink, MSNBC Newsweek, 31 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • Like Jacobs, Coppola is highly invested in fashion, an interest that is manifest in her work.
    Naomi Fry, New Yorker, 21 Mar. 2026
  • Untouched and undiscovered Tulum is not, but its magnetism is still manifest in its profound natural beauty, immense history, and pristine beaches with some of the whitest sand in the world.
    Carley Rojas Avila, Travel + Leisure, 10 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • Byfield, whose evident lack of offensive confidence and dearth of tangible production had been concerns for most of the season, has turned a corner.
    Andrew Knoll, Daily News, 27 Mar. 2026
  • Don't forget the unexpected or less tangible things too, like remembering to drink enough water or setting a successful boundary at work, Chopra says.
    Andee Tagle, NPR, 27 Mar. 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 3 Apr. 2026.

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