ponderable

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
  • AccuWeather senior meteorologist Tom Kines told Newsweek the most obvious impact from the smoke would be hazy skies, which could contribute to visually beautiful sunrises and sunsets in the affected areas.
    Anna Skinner, MSNBC Newsweek, 29 May 2025
  • But in terms of the excitement and electricity, the parallels between Verlander and Skubal are obvious.
    Cody Stavenhagen, New York Times, 29 May 2025
Adjective
  • His script may go over the top, and a generally adept cast (which also includes prominent parts for Sinbad, Rockmond Dunbar, Shalet Monique and others) copes variably with its excesses.
    Dennis Harvey, Variety, 6 June 2025
  • The two prominent Idaho families joined when Andrus’s youngest daughter, Kelly, married Church’s son Chase in 1989.
    Sarah Cutler, Idaho Statesman, 6 June 2025
Adjective
  • Apple is a conspicuous laggard, the stock on the verge of breaking down below a former peak from almost two years ago.
    Michael Santoli, CNBC, 2 June 2025
  • The conspicuous tracking collar is clearly visible in the video.
    Brooke Baitinger, Sacbee.com, 30 May 2025
Adjective
  • This tall, airy verbena is very striking when the wispy stems wave in the breeze.
    Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 3 June 2025
  • Nickerson became a person of interest in the case just days after Peterson was killed, when he was arrested in an unrelated crime and detectives noticed his booking photo bore a striking resemblance to a police sketch of the teacher’s killer.
    Karen Garcia, Los Angeles Times, 2 June 2025
Adjective
  • Last year, there were multiple reports and videos of noticeable early exits at various Trump events.
    Martha McHardy, MSNBC Newsweek, 31 May 2025
  • Even after shaking the comforter, there was no noticeable movement of the down fill to the edge of the pockets.
    Rebecca Jones, Southern Living, 30 May 2025
Adjective
  • A lot of Isaacman's intellect and thought on these issues was evident in the podcast.
    Eric Berger, ArsTechnica, 4 June 2025
  • Meanwhile, King’s status as a last-minute guest was evident in her clothes, the journalist's green sweatsuit standing out among the black-tie attire.
    Bailey Richards, People.com, 4 June 2025
Adjective
  • Michael Kimmelman, The Times’s chief architecture critic and Headway’s editor at large, recently had the chance to see one of these back-to-the-future visions made manifest.
    New York Times, New York Times, 1 May 2025
  • He will always be remembered for his manifest humility, simplicity of life, and tireless love for the poor.
    Daniel Foster, National Review, 15 May 2025
Adjective
  • By co-creating these processes, organizations ensure that predictions align with strategic goals and lead to tangible action.
    Zohar Bronfman, Forbes.com, 27 May 2025
  • Since Russian and Ukrainian delegations met in Turkey earlier this month for their first direct talks in three years, a large prisoner exchange has been the only tangible outcome, but negotiations have brought no significant breakthrough.
    Hanna Arhirova, Los Angeles Times, 27 May 2025
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 Jun. 2025.

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