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
  • Henry Ford, but for housing If the goal is to bring down building costs, rethinking the basics of the construction process is an obvious place to start.
    Ben Christopher, Los Angeles Times, 14 Feb. 2026
  • The imminent launch got less obvious cues throughout the show, too.
    James Manso, Footwear News, 14 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • The absence that has lingered over the Boston Red Sox world for the last five weeks was especially prominent Sunday as the team held its first full-squad workout of 2026.
    Gabrielle Starr, Chicago Tribune, 16 Feb. 2026
  • Some cultural events featuring prominent Israelis since the start of the war in Gaza have been subject to anti-Israel demonstrations.
    Philissa Cramer, Sun Sentinel, 16 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • In the city’s Financial District, home to Canada’s major banks, locals are easily distinguishable from tourists and visitors by the conspicuous absence of winter paraphernalia.
    Vivian Song, CNN Money, 17 Feb. 2026
  • Avoid heavy pruning, especially in conspicuous areas.
    Luke Miller, Better Homes & Gardens, 17 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • The black-sesame mochi, served with charcoal-vanilla ice cream and black-sesame praline, is playful and striking.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 20 Feb. 2026
  • Named after the ring-servants of the Dark Lord Sauron in The Lord of the Rings, Nazgul is a Czechoslovakian wolfdog, a rare and visually striking breed.
    Ryan Brennan, Miami Herald, 19 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • Over time, that constant effort can lead to noticeable eyestrain, headaches or fatigue –particularly after reading, computer work or other close-up tasks.
    Daryl Austin, USA Today, 17 Feb. 2026
  • Kaufman had last seen Weir in 2011, but the change was noticeable.
    David Browne, Rolling Stone, 17 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • Growing up in Winnipeg, Canada, Shattuck-Takamoto-Baer’s artistic talents were evident from an early age.
    Payton Turkeltaub, Variety, 18 Feb. 2026
  • When the action shifts to England, the virtuosity of direction and performance, and this brand of theatrical expression, becomes more evident.
    Demetrios Matheou, HollywoodReporter, 18 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • Masculinity and conflict, for Greenwell, seem opportunities for rurality to most obviously manifest.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 17 Feb. 2026
  • A lot of what’s gone on is just multiple expansion, optimism about a weaker dollar, excitement about consumer spending trends overseas and other ephemeral ideas that haven’t yet become manifest in the companies’ actual results.
    Josh Brown,Sean Russo, CNBC, 9 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • Tenuous evidence of mass exodus Sensor Tower’s user data more fundamentally seems to suggest that beyond anecdotal claims, users have largely been unable to identify tangible changes in TikTok’s American operations, or at least, not enough to meaningfully shift user sentiment.
    Matthew Chin, CNBC, 16 Feb. 2026
  • By building a motor from visible, understandable parts, Jamie makes electromagnetism tangible.
    Rupendra Brahambhatt, Interesting Engineering, 15 Feb. 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 22 Feb. 2026.

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