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
  • Spectrum is the most obvious example right now, and recent deals show how much buyers will pay to lock it up.
    Charlotte Kiang, Forbes.com, 9 July 2026
  • All are relatively obvious solutions that were just waiting for our leaders to have the drive to enact them.
    New York Daily News Editorial Board, New York Daily News, 9 July 2026
Adjective
  • The case has also received attention from other prominent figures who have stepped in to help Wells’ family.
    Anthony Thompson, USA Today, 10 July 2026
  • Wahl embraced the upstart digital-media space, bringing an insider’s knowledge to his substantial online following, while still writing long-form soccer features that delivered depth and insight about the game’s most prominent players.
    Sean Gregory, Time, 10 July 2026
Adjective
  • There was also a cohort of local vignerons, whose understated practicality was a welcome juxtaposition to the occasionally conspicuous wealth of the international collector crowd.
    George Nelson for ArtNews, Robb Report, 9 July 2026
  • The hot water temperature at one of the hand sinks was too low, some meat in the refrigerator was stored without date markings and the restaurant’s permit wasn’t posted in a conspicuous place.
    Harriet Ramos, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 9 July 2026
Adjective
  • The house was in a striking location, perched on a bluff in Baiting Hollow overlooking Long Island Sound.
    Wendy Goodman, Curbed, 11 July 2026
  • But while Erling Haaland and his band of striking Vikings have taken the 2026 World Cup by storm, Norwegian sports officials have been wringing their hands about the future of the nation’s sports model.
    Sara Germano, Sportico.com, 10 July 2026
Adjective
  • North America was the main surprise, while Africa also contributed a noticeable share of the increase from a much smaller base.
    Robert Rapier, Forbes.com, 5 July 2026
  • Frustingly for Croatia, Matanović’s tiny touch was barely noticeable with the naked eye.
    Ben Church, CNN Money, 3 July 2026
Adjective
  • The camaraderie was evident on the ground here in La Guaira, the coastal city where quake damage was most severe, collapsing dozens of buildings.
    Mery Mogollón, Los Angeles Times, 5 July 2026
  • That rotation was quite evident in our portfolio across Wednesday and Thursday, with the likes of AI winner Corning selling off hard and once-unloved Johnson & Johnson finishing the week at a record close.
    Zev Fima,Kevin Stankiewicz, CNBC, 5 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
  • But that buy-in has to actually be fortified by something tangible.
    Paul Tenorio, New York Times, 5 July 2026
  • The Bruins’ fire sale in March of 2025 has already paid tangible dividends.
    Steve Conroy, Boston Herald, 5 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 13 Jul. 2026.

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