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
  • In unionized environments with collective agreements, policy and law require a job posting even when the hire is obvious.
    Jason Walker PsyD, Forbes.com, 23 July 2026
  • Running was the most obvious trigger, but long walks, certain pilates classes, tight workout clothes, bathing suits, anything that involved movement or compression made the discomfort worse.
    Anonymous, Allure, 23 July 2026
Adjective
  • Though Wasserman hasn’t been charged with any crime, the exchanges took place before Maxwell had been charged with any wrongdoing, and the LA28 board backed Wasserman, the entertainment mogul sold his agency after several prominent artists fled.
    Barry Svrluga, New York Times, 24 July 2026
  • The group released its debut, Blood, Sweat and No Tears, in 1989 and, through constant touring, became one of the most prominent and visible New York hardcore bands.
    Charisma Madarang, Rolling Stone, 24 July 2026
Adjective
  • Jeffries has refrained from criticizing the new DSA congressional nominees despite their conspicuous refusal to endorse him for the speakership.
    James Kirchick, The Atlantic, 21 July 2026
  • By giving Helen a conspicuous scar, Nolan shows that even the most coveted woman on the planet is not immune to mankind’s brutality.
    Patrick Ryan, USA Today, 21 July 2026
Adjective
  • Even so, most visitors can get striking views of the swamp’s remarkable beauty and wildlife from boat routes, hiking paths, biking trails and auto tours in different parts of the swamp.
    Charles Seabrook, AJC.com, 25 July 2026
  • Psychologists identified a striking disconnect between Boukamp's intellectual abilities and his social functioning.
    Walter Pavlo, Forbes.com, 25 July 2026
Adjective
  • Despite the lower amount of Texas wheat, consumers shouldn’t see a noticeable price increase for items containing wheat at the grocery store.
    Maven Navarro, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 26 July 2026
  • Given the less noticeable crease, improved usability, upgraded battery chemistry, a quicker, more efficient processor, and dramatically more effective Cover Display software, the Z Flip 8 has a lot going for it.
    Florence Ion, PC Magazine, 26 July 2026
Adjective
  • This model, where companies embed themselves in a city, is also evident in JPMorgan Chase's Detroit efforts, Tulsa's remote worker program, and Cleveland's Evergreen Cooperatives.
    Tonya M. Evans, Forbes.com, 26 July 2026
  • The real reason is that his report is an unfocused jumble of personal testimony, with no evident attempt to corroborate the lurid and sometimes unbelievable accusations made by anonymous sources.
    Helen Lewis, The Atlantic, 26 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
  • Additionally, showing people data on their own streets or homes can help air pollution seem more tangible, Moser said.
    Finnegan Belleau, Chicago Tribune, 26 July 2026
  • But his more tangible attributes as a player also line up with what Chelsea have been missing.
    Mark Carey, New York Times, 25 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 29 Jul. 2026.

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