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
  • The comparisons between the start of Ray Allen’s and Klay Thompson’s Miami Heat stories seem obvious.
    Anthony Chiang, Miami Herald, 27 Aug. 2026
  • Yet with no obvious signs of trauma, the researchers couldn’t say what sent the woman to an early grave.
    Mike McRae August 25, New Atlas, 26 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • Among the prominent figures was Tobias Adrian, Director of the Monetary and Capital Markets Department at the International Monetary Fund.
    , CNBC, 28 Aug. 2026
  • The movement thereafter played a prominent role in protests across the United States and in other countries, particularly in the wake of the murders of Eric Garner in 2014 and George Floyd in 2020.
    Encyclopedia Britannica, Encyclopedia Britannica, 28 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • Without it, that money and those jobs would simply not materialize, leaving a conspicuous financial hole in the UAE’s crucial winter tourism season.
    Inzamam Rashid, Fortune, 26 Aug. 2026
  • The most conspicuous are rookie coaches Walter Vaughn of North Springs, Jamoski Ward of Central of Macon and Gabe Gay of Montgomery County .
    Todd Holcomb, AJC.com, 26 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • Beyond the conventional routes lie some of the world’s most striking volcanic highlands, black-sand beaches, and untamed wilderness—landscapes that reward those willing to venture farther afield.
    Gwen Nicol, Travel + Leisure, 29 Aug. 2026
  • Much like its London siblings, Chelsea Townhouse offers a striking counterpoint to the slew of large luxury hotels that have opened in the city more recently—a discreet, comfortable brand of luxury without the extra frills.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 29 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • The 277 lb-ft of torque arrives from 2,000 rpm, and the difference is immediately noticeable.
    New Atlas, New Atlas, 30 Aug. 2026
  • The result is particularly noticeable in its food scene, where Middle Eastern influences sit comfortably alongside contemporary Scandinavian restaurants.
    David Nikel, Forbes.com, 30 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • This issue is particularly evident among younger employees, as 20% of Gen Z workers report experiencing loneliness frequently—approximately double the rate reported by Millennials.
    Sarah Hernholm, Forbes.com, 30 Aug. 2026
  • Boise State is among college football’s top teams for returning talent in 2026, and that fact is perhaps no more evident than in the running back room.
    Shaun Goodwin, Idaho Statesman, 30 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
  • This involves understanding and speaking the client's language, translating complex technology into tangible business outcomes, and delivering compelling presentations.
    William Arruda, Forbes.com, 30 Aug. 2026
  • Play, by definition, doesn’t produce anything tangible or useful.
    Louisa Thomas, New Yorker, 30 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 31 Aug. 2026.

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