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
  • But the way people encounter health information is changing, and that shift is especially noticeable with Gen Z, the first generation to grow up immersed in social media.
    Rachel Hale, USA Today, 19 July 2026
  • Your 1st House of Identity glows as the intuitive Moon conjoins loving Venus in your sign, making your presence more noticeable than usual.
    Tarot.com, The Orlando Sentinel, 17 July 2026
Adjective
  • That spirit is evident in Method Oregon, which is dedicated to advancing Oregon’s reputation as a world-class sparkling-wine region and telling the story of Oregon’s fast-growing traditional method movement.
    Mike DeSimone, Robb Report, 19 July 2026
  • What has become evident is that society needs a more clear-eyed approach to the potential losses from AI as well as a strategy for sharing the benefits.
    Bridget Shirvell, Hartford Courant, 18 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
  • Ready to take your inspiration and turn it into something tangible?
    USA TODAY, USA Today, 19 July 2026
  • The authorization of the bonds will authorize the City to maintain tangible property tax rates sufficient to pay the interest and principal on the bonds until fully paid.
    Dylan Lysen, Kansas City Star, 18 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 23 Jul. 2026.

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