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
  • Happy Gilmore is another obvious inspiration (even without the Netflix of it all) whenever Lonnie throws his clubs, talks to his ball, and calls on fans to chant his name before taking a swing.
    Ben Travers, IndieWire, 16 July 2026
  • That particular prompt may have been rejected for an obvious reason, though.
    Ashley Belanger, ArsTechnica, 16 July 2026
Adjective
  • Beth Bourne, one of the most prominent anti-transgender activists in California, is running for the Davis Joint Unified School District Board of Education.
    Camryn Dadey, Sacbee.com, 18 July 2026
  • One of North Carolina’s most prominent transitional housing programs for women, the Center for Community Transitions in Charlotte, has just 30 beds.
    Amber Gaudet July 18, Charlotte Observer, 18 July 2026
Adjective
  • Voya would plug Morgan Stanley’s conspicuous hole in retirement products.
    Liz Hoffman, semafor.com, 16 July 2026
  • In the fall of 2025 O’Connor was a conspicuous presence in theaters, appearing in no fewer than four films.
    Nick Tabor, Encyclopedia Britannica, 15 July 2026
Adjective
  • Winnie Harlow dons a striking red sheer catsuit at the Tequila Don Julio 1942 Port of Champions x Palm Tree Crew and Mary Lou's event in New York City on July 16.
    People Staff, PEOPLE, 18 July 2026
  • Robots were assessed on effective striking accuracy, body stability, defensive and evasive performance, and overall durability throughout each bout.
    Jijo Malayil, Interesting Engineering, 17 July 2026
Adjective
  • North America was the main surprise, while Africa also contributed a noticeable share of the increase from a much smaller base.
    Robert Rapier, Forbes.com, 5 July 2026
  • Frustingly for Croatia, Matanović’s tiny touch was barely noticeable with the naked eye.
    Ben Church, CNN Money, 3 July 2026
Adjective
  • The camaraderie was evident on the ground here in La Guaira, the coastal city where quake damage was most severe, collapsing dozens of buildings.
    Mery Mogollón, Los Angeles Times, 5 July 2026
  • That rotation was quite evident in our portfolio across Wednesday and Thursday, with the likes of AI winner Corning selling off hard and once-unloved Johnson & Johnson finishing the week at a record close.
    Zev Fima,Kevin Stankiewicz, CNBC, 5 July 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
  • But that buy-in has to actually be fortified by something tangible.
    Paul Tenorio, New York Times, 5 July 2026
  • The Bruins’ fire sale in March of 2025 has already paid tangible dividends.
    Steve Conroy, Boston Herald, 5 July 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 20 Jul. 2026.

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