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
  • The Seahawks put the Bucs in obvious situations, then offered little resistance.
    Michael-Shawn Dugar, New York Times, 7 Oct. 2025
  • One obvious strategy to try to tackle the staffing problems is to close more prisons, and this year’s state budget authorized Governor Hochul to close up to three more.
    Jennifer Gonnerman, New Yorker, 6 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • However, a different vibe soon filled the arena once the countdown clock reached zero and a video charting Kirk's career from 18-year-old organizer to one of the GOP’s most prominent activists came on-screen.
    Alex J. Rouhandeh, MSNBC Newsweek, 1 Oct. 2025
  • In the wake of the assassination of prominent conservative figure Charlie Kirk, the rhetoric wars have taken to new levels of vitriol, with many on the right blaming the left writ large for such political violence, and vice versa.
    Kayla Dwyer, IndyStar, 1 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • While it has thus far been signed by nearly 250 arts organizations and hundreds of individuals, major museums are conspicuous by their absence, with signatures predominately coming from arts centers, associations and regional councils.
    Jacqui Palumbo, CNN Money, 28 Sep. 2025
  • With one conspicuous exception.
    Ronald Brownstein, Mercury News, 23 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • The side’s most striking feature, according to most reports from the time, was therefore their relative lack of brutality.
    Michael Cox, New York Times, 5 Oct. 2025
  • This striking turtleneck sweater is a must.
    Clara McMahon, PEOPLE, 4 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • There was a noticeable gap between Ocean dropping his studio debut Channel Orange in 2012 and his 2016 album releases Endless and Blonde — and fans noticed.
    Sophie Dodd, PEOPLE, 2 Oct. 2025
  • The last two words, something Redick said the Lakers needed to be in after the team lost in five games to the Minnesota Timberwolves during last year’s playoffs, has been the most noticeable priority shift in the earliest days of training camp.
    Dan Woike, New York Times, 2 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • The impact of this team is evident not only in their buildings but in their relationships.
    Malana VanTyler, USA Today, 3 Oct. 2025
  • While some laws have changed, the wealth is evident even on a brief visit.
    Vivienne Walt, Time, 3 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • In that vacuum, religious zealots and cults manifest, nihilism thrives, and families are torn apart.
    Randall Colburn, Entertainment Weekly, 23 Sep. 2025
  • This is made manifest through four sections (two comprising the majority of the book).
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 4 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • One tangible reason for Knicks fans to be hopeful is the fact that new coach Mike Brown will almost certainly use his bench a lot more than his predecessor, Tom Thibodeau, did.
    Robert Marvi, MSNBC Newsweek, 1 Oct. 2025
  • After nearly three years in office, this strategy Hobbs chose has yielded few tangible, undisputed results beyond the existence of a heat preparedness plan.
    Joan Meiners, AZCentral.com, 1 Oct. 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 8 Oct. 2025.

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