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
  • Case for buying Unlike with many bad teams, which tend to perform poorly all over the field, this Red Sox team has mostly been kneecapped by one obvious, overwhelming flaw.
    Mac Cerullo, Boston Herald, 31 May 2026
  • The key to going the extra mile here is to install your curtains a bit higher above the windows than may be obvious.
    Sarah Lyon, The Spruce, 30 May 2026
Adjective
  • Now part of the Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group, this is one of the city’s most prominent addresses for creative types and travelers who know where to find the best service.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 2 June 2026
  • The original sign for Joe Marty’s, named for a prominent local baseball player once thought to be a better prospect than Joe DiMaggio, wasn’t part of the listing.
    Graham Womack, Sacbee.com, 1 June 2026
Adjective
  • But luxury today is increasingly less about conspicuous ownership and more about access, flexibility, and optimization.
    Jeff Fromm, Forbes.com, 1 June 2026
  • Male spiders are much smaller, ranging from a less conspicuous 1/4-to-3/8 of an inch long.
    Steve Bender, Southern Living, 29 May 2026
Adjective
  • The disparity is particularly striking given the size of neighboring cities.
    Verónica Egui Brito, Miami Herald, 4 June 2026
  • The Bigger Picture What is most striking about this moment is not the technology.
    Malana VanTyler, USA Today, 4 June 2026
Adjective
  • This is particularly noticeable in the ballroom area, which hosts weekly wedding events, as well as other social and business functions.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 2 June 2026
  • But let’s get back to that extraordinary customizable dashboard, one of the most noticeable features.
    New Atlas, New Atlas, 2 June 2026
Adjective
  • The divide is particularly evident in apparel.
    Juveria Tabassum, USA Today, 3 June 2026
  • This phenomenon was particularly evident last primary, when Bass initially trailed developer Rick Caruso in the mayoral race, but as more ballots came in, Bass continued to gain a lead.
    Grace Toohey, Los Angeles Times, 3 June 2026
Adjective
  • 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
  • Unlike the show’s first teaser, the new clip includes footage of Jordan using his power ring to manifest shields, take flight and even create counterfeit money.
    Tracy Brown, Los Angeles Times, 18 May 2026
Adjective
  • Our relationship will be defined by trust, cooperation, and the pursuit of tangible benefits for Colombia and its citizens.
    Armando Regil Velasco, FOXNews.com, 31 May 2026
  • Organizations must move from passive observation to active strategy, designing structures that translate AI learning into tangible career growth.
    Glenn Llopis, Forbes.com, 30 May 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 5 Jun. 2026.

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