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
  • These reveal problems that might not be obvious in the short term, such as liver damage, as well as underlying conditions that could turn minor issues into something serious.
    — Amy Maxmen, Miami Herald, 19 Oct. 2026
  • If there are lessons from the 2025 wave of crypto IPOs, the most obvious is that investors should proceed with caution.
    — Jeff John Roberts, Fortune, 19 Oct. 2026
Adjective
  • The number is an estimate by Yogendra Yadav, an elections specialist and prominent critic of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's ruling Hindu nationalist Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).
    — Diaa Hadid, NPR, 21 Oct. 2026
  • The 4,000-square-foot store will be one of the newest tenants in the prominent shopping plaza in downtown Sacramento.
    — Emma Hall, Sacbee.com, 21 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
  • The research fellow also argued that the additional Russian diesel entering global markets is not sufficient to produce a noticeable reduction in consumer fuel prices in the short term.
    — Elsa Ohlen, CNBC, 17 Oct. 2026
  • The brand's emblem, which is incorporated into the translucent monoblock LED taillight beneath the seat and is sculpted by the bike's lights themselves, is the most noticeable of all Fragment elements.
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 16 Oct. 2026
Adjective
  • The brasserie has Provençal leanings evident in a few of the menu’s flourishes—crisp triangular panisses with a garlicky aioli, a pinky-peach sauce algérienne for dipping your fries.
    — Helen Rosner, New Yorker, 18 Oct. 2026
  • And something more substantial, even, than the ongoing oddity of just where Washington Square Park fits into the scheme of things as it’s gone from an evident linchpin of the project to an apparent afterthought.
    — Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 17 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
  • In this context, elections and exams are the only two processes that make the state’s promise of equal treatment tangible.
    — Pratap Bhanu Mehta, Foreign Affairs, 15 Oct. 2026
  • Consistency in service, collaboration and responsiveness is a tangible way trust is built.
    — Kate Barton, Fortune, 15 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 22 Oct. 2026.

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