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
  • Many players have obvious economic incentives to seek to extend their collegiate careers for as long as possible.
    — Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 13 Oct. 2026
  • The press release probably didn’t need to also say the company imbued it with distinctive character or charm; that’s quite obvious from the design.
    — Jonathan M. Gitlin, ArsTechnica, 13 Oct. 2026
Adjective
  • Perhaps the only prominent Ukrainian who has demanded a wartime election is Fedorov, the former defense minister who elicited the comment about Starshield from Musk.
    — Timothy Nerozzi, The Washington Examiner, 15 Oct. 2026
  • Mandell’s wife, Elizabeth Heller Mandell, a gallery owner, nonprofit consultant and arts patron from a prominent California family, predeceased him, leaving him in a position to extend her philanthropic work.
    — Theater Critic, Los Angeles Times, 15 Oct. 2026
Adjective
  • The CEOs of Shell, TotalEnergies, BP, and ExxonMobil had all been due to attend this week’s WPEC but are conspicuous by their absence.
    — Melissa Hancock, Fortune, 14 Oct. 2026
  • Separate flights were arranged, with Machado traveling separately from some members of the group and the journalists in an effort to make her movements less conspicuous.
    — Antonio María Delgado, Miami Herald, 2 Oct. 2026
Adjective
  • In addition to the grisly injury, the nearly translucent bone itself makes this evidence even more striking.
    — Andrew Paul, Popular Science, 15 Oct. 2026
  • Other suites are even more striking, covered from head to toe in a flora wallpaper and bright, colorful custom furniture.
    — Nicole Hoey, Robb Report, 15 Oct. 2026
Adjective
  • That’s in part because the federal government has focused funding on more noticeable forms of homelessness, such as people living in encampments.
    — Nicole Santa Cruz, ProPublica, 9 Oct. 2026
  • Some residents told the Journal the helicopter traffic has been especially noticeable on summer Fridays and Sundays as travelers head east for the weekend and then return to the city.
    — Deirdre Bardolf, FOXNews.com, 9 Oct. 2026
Adjective
  • Adéla is definitely a lover of all things footwear, as evident by her wardrobe choices at Thursday’s event.
    — Erin Wisti, Footwear News, 11 Oct. 2026
  • Missouri is not just family but the most evident reminder of his family.
    — Sam McDowell October 9, Kansas City Star, 9 Oct. 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
  • The work was a touching reminder of Winehouse’s tangible presence, wafting through the galleries.
    — Hikmat Mohammed, ARTnews.com, 10 Oct. 2026
  • Aside from Sorkin and its subject of Mark Zuckerberg and Facebook, the new film has no tangible ties to it, either.
    — Savannah Salazar, Vulture, 9 Oct. 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 16 Oct. 2026.

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