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
  • Some treatments made a noticeable difference; others raised more questions than answers.
    John Vorwald, Robb Report, 16 Aug. 2026
  • The Kickstarter file came out dimensionally accurate, with good overhangs out to 85 degrees, but the stringing was noticeable and prominent.
    Michael Lydick, PC Magazine, 15 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • At a bond hearing earlier this year, Fernandez Saldana’s attorney said there was no proof his client’s guilt was evident, CNN affiliate Action News Jax reported.
    Danya Gainor, CNN Money, 17 Aug. 2026
  • Their issues putting together effective at-bats were evident in the final two games against the Brewers, totaling three runs on 11 hits and three walks.
    ABC News, ABC News, 16 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
  • By contrast, former Heat G League and summer standout Alondes Williams continues to push for something tangible in the NBA, at 27 accepting a Wizards Exhibit 10 camp invitation.
    Ira Winderman, Sun Sentinel, 15 Aug. 2026
  • The analysts expect the stock will be a strong performer in the second half of the year from accretion of the Discover deal and strong buybacks, which will support improvement in return on tangible equity (ROTE).
    Jeff Marks, CNBC, 14 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 19 Aug. 2026.

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