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
  • One obvious reason for my interest in the movie, then, was that Walter Matthau reminded me, a little bit, of my father.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 4 Nov. 2025
  • There are good pieces in place, but replacing or re-signing Bregman seems to be an obvious offseason priority, and another impact starter would certainly help.
    Stephen J. Nesbitt, New York Times, 3 Nov. 2025
Adjective
  • The team settled for adding TE Josh Whyle and defensive lineman Arron Mosby from the practice squad to the active roster, but Green Bay is apparently in on one prominent free-agent defensive back as well.
    Michael Gallagher, MSNBC Newsweek, 5 Nov. 2025
  • Several prominent business leaders have already voiced cautious optimism, seeing in Mamdani a chance to reset the relationship between City Hall and commerce.
    Sally Susman, Time, 5 Nov. 2025
Adjective
  • Chow Public Market & Eatery already faces a conspicuous lack of chow.
    Michael Deeds, Idaho Statesman, 29 Oct. 2025
  • But the current redistricting wars still leave Republicans like Earle-Sears at a conspicuous disadvantage.
    David Weigel, semafor.com, 29 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • On screen, Lawrence and Pattinson hurl nonstop insults at each other in loud bursts of verbal warfare, a striking contrast to the duo’s quieter working relationship.
    Antonio Ferme, Variety, 2 Nov. 2025
  • For Angela Bassett, wearing a striking chartreuse Gucci gown — and who later took the stage to introduce Coogler — her most transformative experience in film or art was one that hit close to home.
    Ryma Chikhoune, Footwear News, 2 Nov. 2025
Adjective
  • Similarly, the depth of the pile doesn’t rebound if furniture is moved, which can be noticeable for a period of time.
    Audrey Lee, Architectural Digest, 6 Nov. 2025
  • Just as Mamdani aims to improve the lives of young people more broadly, those working under him could see a noticeable shift in how the workplace is run.
    Jessica Coacci, Fortune, 6 Nov. 2025
Adjective
  • Office attire’s comeback was evident in Working for It, a theme centered on sculptural structure and nods to the ’80s.
    Angela Velasquez, Sourcing Journal, 31 Oct. 2025
  • This was evident in Indiana's capital city, when Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Chief Chris Bailey announced that his department lacked the authority to enforce federal immigration laws, a move backed by the city's police union.
    Noe Padilla, IndyStar, 31 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • These concerns stem from high levels of speculative investment—totaling hundreds of billions of dollars—in artificial intelligence with few manifest payoffs, as well as the market’s top-heavy structure, with significant value concentrated in a handful of AI-bullish tech stocks.
    Hugh Cameron, MSNBC Newsweek, 13 Oct. 2025
  • In that vacuum, religious zealots and cults manifest, nihilism thrives, and families are torn apart.
    Randall Colburn, Entertainment Weekly, 23 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Republicans must credibly promise to rein in irresponsible spending and smartly cut waste so that Americans see tangible relief.
    Josh Hammer, MSNBC Newsweek, 5 Nov. 2025
  • Since its debut, the initiative has been quietly but determinedly building physical bases in Lagos and Kenya, creating tangible spaces where female artists, producers, and engineers can access resources that Tems herself had to fight to find.
    Kimberly Wilson, Essence, 4 Nov. 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 7 Nov. 2025.

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