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
  • In unionized environments with collective agreements, policy and law require a job posting even when the hire is obvious.
    Jason Walker PsyD, Forbes.com, 23 July 2026
  • Running was the most obvious trigger, but long walks, certain pilates classes, tight workout clothes, bathing suits, anything that involved movement or compression made the discomfort worse.
    Anonymous, Allure, 23 July 2026
Adjective
  • Though Wasserman hasn’t been charged with any crime, the exchanges took place before Maxwell had been charged with any wrongdoing, and the LA28 board backed Wasserman, the entertainment mogul sold his agency after several prominent artists fled.
    Barry Svrluga, New York Times, 24 July 2026
  • The group released its debut, Blood, Sweat and No Tears, in 1989 and, through constant touring, became one of the most prominent and visible New York hardcore bands.
    Charisma Madarang, Rolling Stone, 24 July 2026
Adjective
  • Jeffries has refrained from criticizing the new DSA congressional nominees despite their conspicuous refusal to endorse him for the speakership.
    James Kirchick, The Atlantic, 21 July 2026
  • By giving Helen a conspicuous scar, Nolan shows that even the most coveted woman on the planet is not immune to mankind’s brutality.
    Patrick Ryan, USA Today, 21 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 26 Jul. 2026.

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