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
  • While Pentagon funding is the most obvious must for some Republicans, others would push to include measures to address the cost of living, elections, farm aid, and more.
    — Burgess Everett, semafor.com, 11 Nov. 2026
  • Though Pasta was not a traditional Italian restaurant, offering only a couple of appetizers and desserts and pasta dishes, the glut was obvious.
    — Connie Ogle, Miami Herald, 10 Nov. 2026
Adjective
  • But the churn rate for teachers isn’t necessarily an issue, according to Robert Pondiscio, a senior fellow at the prominent conservative-leaning think tank American Enterprise Institute, who wrote a book on the school.
    — Miami Herald, Miami Herald, 12 Nov. 2026
  • California voters have rejected a first-in-the-nation tax on the net worth of billionaires following a contentious ballot fight that generated huge spending by some prominent tech leaders eager to stop their taxes from going up.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 11 Nov. 2026
Adjective
  • However, eruptions and lava flows have been conspicuous by their absence.
    — Robert Lea, Space.com, 4 Nov. 2026
  • Headscarves are less conspicuous among women in these fashionable neighborhoods, despite compulsory hijab rules introduced after the revolution established clerical rule.
    — CBS News, CBS News, 2 Nov. 2026
Adjective
  • Black wedding dresses are a striking alternative for brides who want something unexpected and aren’t afraid to break with tradition.
    — Corinne Pierre-Louis, Vogue, 5 Nov. 2026
  • Bleached blonde eyebrows framed West’s eyes, which were a striking blue for the night instead of her natural brown, thanks to contact lenses that were reminiscent of Kanye West’s look at the 2016 Met Gala.
    — Arushi Jacob, Footwear News, 5 Nov. 2026
Adjective
  • In most Alzheimer’s patients, a noticeable atrophy develops over the course of only a few months of disease progression.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 6 Nov. 2026
  • Still, the difference is less noticeable on a smaller screen.
    — ArsTechnica, ArsTechnica, 5 Nov. 2026
Adjective
  • Nowhere is this misperception more evident than in looking at current electoral politics and domestic and foreign policy.
    — Richard E. Vatz, Baltimore Sun, 8 Nov. 2026
  • Not a whole lot has gone the NC State Wolfpack's way this season, and that was never more evident than after what the Duke Blue Devils did to them on Saturday afternoon in Raleigh.
    — Matt Reigle OutKick, FOXNews.com, 7 Nov. 2026
Adjective
  • Co-existence with extraterrestrials has seen humans revert to old habits of prejudice and apartheid; crime and corruption are rampant as ever; pop-up ads now irksomely manifest as holograms in your personal space.
    — Guy Lodge, Variety, 10 Oct. 2026
  • The necessity of maintaining fuel efficiency standards is manifest in California, where about 40% of those emissions come from auto and truck tailpipes.
    — Business Columnist, Los Angeles Times, 8 Oct. 2026
Adjective
  • These moonshot projects emphasize nonlinear, long-term scientific advancement, often without a specific cure or even a tangible goal in mind.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 6 Nov. 2026
  • For Lindley, the discovery also puts a tangible piece of the 1836 battle into the hands of modern-day archaeologists.
    — Andrea Margolis, FOXNews.com, 6 Nov. 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 12 Nov. 2026.

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