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
  • Areas where forecasts consistently predict clear skies — or persistent cloud — will become increasingly obvious as eclipse day approaches.
    Jamie Carter, Forbes.com, 7 Aug. 2026
  • The choice of Bailey as the newest Giorgio Armani global fragrance ambassador was obvious.
    Jennifer Weil, Footwear News, 6 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • Ben Crump, one of the nation’s most prominent civil rights attorneys, also shared two posts with his 1 million followers about the circumstances surrounding Juliana’s death.
    Caitlin McGlade, Charlotte Observer, 31 July 2026
  • Samuel, who turned 30 in January, could have a prominent role at receiver given Pearsall could miss significant time with the injury.
    Chris Biderman, Sacbee.com, 31 July 2026
Adjective
  • On the other, an Iranian supreme leader whose absence is conspicuous while his nation is locked in a military and diplomatic standoff that could define the future of the Middle East.
    Alexander Smith, NBC news, 6 Aug. 2026
  • Tying with Kanye is Chappell Roan — the only act in the anger top ten that doesn’t overlap in the hip-hop world and one of the study’s most conspicuous inclusions.
    Jeff Benjamin, Forbes.com, 4 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • The Rodrigo Flower Bouquet is a 400-piece set built around a striking purple flower made from electric guitars.
    Tim Lammers, Forbes.com, 1 Aug. 2026
  • Max Verstappen’s emergence as a 17-year-old in 2015 was striking, yet he wasn’t joined by many others the same age.
    Alex Kirshner, New York Times, 1 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • Although the moon’s dark umbral shadow will miss North America, millions of people will still see the moon take a noticeable bite out of the sun.
    Jamie Carter, Forbes.com, 2 Aug. 2026
  • Sodium-ion chemistry also performs well in cold weather, where conventional lithium-ion batteries often experience noticeable reductions in charging speed and driving range.
    Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 2 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • Abdelkarim’s humility is as evident as his youth, which is reflected in a few traces of teenage acne on his cheeks and a shy smile typical of someone who isn’t used to being the focus of media attention.
    Laia Cervelló Herrero, New York Times, 2 Aug. 2026
  • The 21-year-old is already the most successful Filipino tennis player in history, and her popularity among flag-waving fans has been evident all week.
    Bailey Johnson, Washington Post, 2 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
  • Speculation around Tarik Skubal — even if tangible talks still seem quiet — is dominating the sport’s news cycle.
    Cody Stavenhagen, New York Times, 1 Aug. 2026
  • Bobbing his head to the music, the 29-year-old said standing where King once marched made his legacy feel tangible.
    Lila Hempel-Edgers, Chicago Tribune, 1 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 7 Aug. 2026.

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