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
  • Even when those messages seem obvious or your child already knows them, saying them out loud anyway could help reinforce that their worth was never actually in question.
    — Anahi Collado, The Conversation, 22 Sep. 2026
  • The most obvious cri de coeur would be for the struggling family farm or animal welfare, but Karen Espersen and Dave Bilinski, the farm’s co-owners, made a surprising appeal to health science.
    — J. B. MacKinnon, Harpers Magazine, 22 Sep. 2026
Adjective
  • As a prominent application of artificial intelligence, AI agents are widely seen as transitioning from experimental concepts to large-scale deployment this year.
    — , CNBC, 23 Sep. 2026
  • Relaxed and straight fits remain prominent in collections, but Jamie Haller and LaQuan Smith made a strong case for flare silhouettes, and 7 For All Mankind brought back the low-rise capri jean in a big way.
    — Angela Velasquez, Footwear News, 23 Sep. 2026
Adjective
  • The result, beyond being a lie, is often cheap, garish, and conspicuous.
    — Frank Landymore, Futurism, 23 Sep. 2026
  • One of the most conspicuous luxuries there now is a Steinway piano.
    — Casey Cep, New Yorker, 21 Sep. 2026
Adjective
  • Given just how striking Paulson’s dress was, the actress opted to keep her accessories mostly minimal, save for a pair of dangling Swedish grace earrings courtesy of Engelbert.
    — Julia Teti, Footwear News, 24 Sep. 2026
  • The title is written in glittering gold letters over the striking shot of Swift.
    — Skyler Caruso, PEOPLE, 24 Sep. 2026
Adjective
  • From a high-rise balcony, the sound would be hardly noticeable, Kasdin said, citing the expert’s findings.
    — Miami Herald, Miami Herald, 25 Sep. 2026
  • The weather could start to change for the region as early as Sunday, but the hurricanes’ effects are most likely to be noticeable Monday and Tuesday.
    — Jack Dolan, Los Angeles Times, 25 Sep. 2026
Adjective
  • That was evident this month at the United Nations when a General Assembly vote endorsed a map with a different way of looking at the world than has more commonly been used.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 20 Sep. 2026
  • According to Espinoza, Dwabe’s love for others was evident early on.
    — Harriet Ramos, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 20 Sep. 2026
Adjective
  • Two years later, as massive success seemed like the Eagles’ manifest destiny, that tandem cut their bandmates out of a publishing deal, setting themselves up with a never-ending sinecure but setting their original quartet up to crumble.
    — Grayson Haver Currin, Pitchfork, 30 Aug. 2026
  • The books’ capacious geography felt like a girlish form of manifest destiny.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 26 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • Some trade analysts were struck by how few tangible accomplishments seemed to come from the meeting.
    — MICHELLE L. PRICE, Arkansas Online, 26 Sep. 2026
  • For Edwards, that childhood experience provided an early, tangible example of Black entrepreneurship at a time when a trip to the grocery store could also expose young people to someone who owned and operated a business serving their community.
    — Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 25 Sep. 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 28 Sep. 2026.

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