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
  • The switcheroo trend is one more lighthearted example of internet prank culture, with successful clips in the genre using comically obvious edits to highlight the misdirection and avoid any real danger of defamation.
    David Mack, CNN Money, 20 Aug. 2026
  • That connection seems obvious at the linebacker position, on the outside and inside with Carter, Brian Burns, Kayvon Thibodeaux, Tremaine Edmunds and Arvell Reese, the fifth pick in the 2026 NFL Draft.
    Ian O'Connor, New York Times, 20 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • From the late 1800s, a prominent Sicilian family controlled the tuna industry here with multiple factories and fisheries, thriving until the 1960s.
    Megan Rose Murray, Condé Nast Traveler, 22 Aug. 2026
  • These observations come from some of the most prominent people in the country.
    John Blake, CNN Money, 22 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • What is significant about these marginally publishable literary acts, these ten pages in the body (of the email), is not how they are read but their conspicuous unreadness.
    M. C. Mah, Literary Hub, 19 Aug. 2026
  • The leading men were outfitted with head-turning wigs and conspicuous facial hair, as well as spot-on replicas of the group's Tommy Nutter suits and denim ensembles.
    Patrick Ryan, USA Today, 17 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • One of the more striking findings by public policy researchers based in the United Kingdom and Italy, based on new research published in Economics Letters, comes in the cumulative payload to orbit by nation.
    Stephen Clark, ArsTechnica, 21 Aug. 2026
  • Klein Blue made a striking statement at Bottega Veneta in a textured look, while Jil Sander, Givenchy, Dries Van Noten, and Lii used flashes of cobalt to punch up a more neutral palette.
    Andrea Zendejas, Vogue, 21 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • The blazing speed around the end is especially noticeable for a team that has lacked that flash in past seasons — and also was miserable on third downs during last year’s disappointing 6-11 campaign.
    Jesse Newell, New York Times, 23 Aug. 2026
  • One of the most noticeable things about The Complete Carebrush is the long teeth that are alternately spaced, creating a scalp massage and helping hair to move through the brush without friction.
    Celia Shatzman, Forbes.com, 23 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • That was particularly evident as the club looked to replace franchise shortstop Dansby Swanson, whose absence has forced an infield shuffle and several changes to the big-league roster.
    Peter Chawaga, Forbes.com, 23 Aug. 2026
  • His separation and quickness were always evident, and despite being a bit undersized, his type of game can succeed at the NFL level.
    Joe Buscaglia, New York Times, 23 Aug. 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
  • The first tangible milestone arrived this summer with the opening of a new Nobu restaurant in the Eastown District of New Cairo, offering diners a teaser of the brand ahead of the future Nobu Hotel (set to open next year).
    Nick Scott, Robb Report, 22 Aug. 2026
  • Wasserman Schultz told voters that her experience in Washington would produce tangible benefits for the district.
    Anthony Man, Sun Sentinel, 22 Aug. 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 25 Aug. 2026.

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