ponderable

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
  • For less obvious water damage, car owners might eventually smell mold or mildew.
    Miami Herald Archives, Miami Herald, 9 Sep. 2025
  • All of which raises an obvious question.
    Jack Lang, New York Times, 8 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Labubu is a doll that resembles a monster, featuring a large head, sharp teeth and prominent eyes.
    Julia Gomez, USA Today, 3 Sep. 2025
  • High-power microwave system One of the most prominent formations at the parade highlighted China’s growing emphasis on counter-drone warfare, a domain increasingly central to modern combat.
    Kapil Kajal, Interesting Engineering, 3 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Elon Musk was conspicuous by his absence.
    Diane Brady, Fortune, 5 Sep. 2025
  • Instead of directly addressing the naysayers, Rutledge acknowledged taking a less conspicuous approach.
    Chantz Martin, FOXNews.com, 4 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • In the most striking example, DOGE instructed Dudek to cancel two contracts that the SSA had with the state of Maine, according to Dudek and other SSA officials.
    Eli Hager, ProPublica, 8 Sep. 2025
  • With Saturn nearing its brightest, biggest and best for 2025, expect a striking pairing in the east that will be worth getting outside for.
    Jamie Carter, Forbes.com, 7 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • After a noticeable drop in school attendance due to SEPTA cuts in the first week of the new school year, the city directed a portion of its $135 million transit subsidy to restore bus and trolley service on routes that are heavily used by students.
    Kelly Phillips Erb, Forbes.com, 4 Sep. 2025
  • The ears of a young ram are more noticeable than those of an old ram, whose ears are largely concealed by the massive horns.
    Tim Kelly, Outdoor Life, 4 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Still, sometimes the heat is impossible to ignore — evident in the small sweat stains on Dinkel’s blue collared shirt.
    Ashley Miznazi, Miami Herald, 5 Sep. 2025
  • The football landscape has changed 20 years on, and 10 new signings show United wanted to change the squad, but there is evident faith in retaining the nucleus of Farke’s 2025 centurions.
    Beren Cross, New York Times, 5 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • This is made manifest through four sections (two comprising the majority of the book).
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 4 Sep. 2025
  • The glowing phenomenon appears as rays, spirals and flickers that most commonly manifest in hues of red and green.
    Eric Lagatta, USA Today, 19 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • This new direction appears to be driven by a focus on non-interventionism overseas, unless deemed necessary to protect immediate and tangible American interests, and a skepticism of efforts to promote political change in other states.
    Time, Time, 3 Sep. 2025
  • Today, digital interactions rule, but Jacobs’ company is betting on a tangible item that people can hold, share and collect.
    R. Daniel Foster, Forbes.com, 3 Sep. 2025
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 10 Sep. 2025.

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