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
  • Areas where forecasts consistently predict clear skies — or persistent cloud — will become increasingly obvious as eclipse day approaches.
    Jamie Carter, Forbes.com, 7 Aug. 2026
  • The choice of Bailey as the newest Giorgio Armani global fragrance ambassador was obvious.
    Jennifer Weil, Footwear News, 6 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • One of the most prominent discounts, though, is on a Le Creuset Sautese Oven, which is a whopping $150 off — but not for much longer.
    Rylee Johnston, PEOPLE, 8 Aug. 2026
  • The endorsement deal with Daktronics raised suspicion because the company doesn’t do business with the general public and doesn’t need prominent athletes or celebrities to pitch its products.
    Steve Henson, Los Angeles Times, 7 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • On the other, an Iranian supreme leader whose absence is conspicuous while his nation is locked in a military and diplomatic standoff that could define the future of the Middle East.
    Alexander Smith, NBC news, 6 Aug. 2026
  • Tying with Kanye is Chappell Roan — the only act in the anger top ten that doesn’t overlap in the hip-hop world and one of the study’s most conspicuous inclusions.
    Jeff Benjamin, Forbes.com, 4 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • With their slender, metallic green bodies and prominent black eyes, emerald ash borers have a striking, jewel-like appearance.
    Lauren Landers, Better Homes & Gardens, 7 Aug. 2026
  • Those are some of the striking examples of observational register, one that uses tactical distance, sound, slowness and associative montage to convey pain without resorting to the evidentiary shock of graphic imagery.
    Sonya Vseliubska, IndieWire, 7 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • Guerrero’s struggles have been particularly noticeable, creating an unusual disconnect between his superstar status and his production.
    Peter Chawaga, Forbes.com, 9 Aug. 2026
  • In September, visitors can enjoy temperatures similar to July and August, but with a noticeable lack of people vying for prime sunset seating and fewer traffic and parking challenges.
    Lindsay Cohn, Travel + Leisure, 9 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • Speaking of Sugar’s caseload, Season 2’s improvements are evident beyond the inevitable advantages of outing him as an alien.
    Ben Travers, IndieWire, 7 Aug. 2026
  • No one in this film has a moral core, which is especially evident in the film’s ending.
    Roxana Hadadi, Vulture, 7 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
  • These successful firms prioritize solving specific business problems with AI, measuring success in tangible metrics like productivity or customer satisfaction, rather than simply deploying the technology.
    Bernard Marr, Forbes.com, 10 Aug. 2026
  • The show that wins could gain more confidence to pursue MAGA — which could have a tangible impact on the elections (and, yes, drive Trump even crazier).
    Steven Zeitchik, HollywoodReporter, 9 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 10 Aug. 2026.

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