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
  • To further prevent obvious staining, choose darker flooring that won't show mud and dirt as easily.
    Claire Hoppe Norgaard, Better Homes & Gardens, 6 June 2026
  • Black is an obvious choice, but purple, red, pink, navy, or even bolder choices like butter yellow, or orange can also work.
    Lauren Jones, The Spruce, 6 June 2026
Adjective
  • Her husband, Vali Chandrasekaran, is a prominent television writer.
    Noah Goldberg, Los Angeles Times, 9 June 2026
  • In the microbiome of mice with worse survival, the researchers also noticed that one strain of bacteria — Sangeribacter muris KT1-3 — was most prominent.
    Angelica Stabile, FOXNews.com, 8 June 2026
Adjective
  • Supermassive black holes can be very conspicuous when actively feeding and therefore surrounded by a wealth of matter in a region called an active galactic nuclei (AGN).
    Robert Lea, Space.com, 8 June 2026
  • But luxury today is increasingly less about conspicuous ownership and more about access, flexibility, and optimization.
    Jeff Fromm, Forbes.com, 1 June 2026
Adjective
  • The scenes along the concrete loggias above the koi pond are especially colorful and striking.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 12 June 2026
  • In recent years, the rapid adoption of generative AI tools has coincided with a striking convergence in capabilities.
    Heather Farmbrough, Forbes.com, 11 June 2026
Adjective
  • For those accustomed to smoother Pixar rides, the shifts in rhythm might be a tad too noticeable, but Lasseter, who also penned the script along with Dan Fogelman, the late Joe Ranft, Kiel Murray & Phil Lorin and Jorgen Klubien, still manages to cross the finish line in style.
    Michael Rechtshaffen, HollywoodReporter, 9 June 2026
  • The loss of weight is definitely noticeable.
    Judith Martin, Mercury News, 9 June 2026
Adjective
  • Alpert said the spirit was evident during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic when employees and business owners showed up, making deliveries by electric skateboards and tuk-tuks.
    Judith Kohler, Denver Post, 10 June 2026
  • That live sports remains the mitochondria of the legacy TV model was made particularly evident when the final NFL numbers were tallied up at the end of the league’s 2025-26 campaign.
    Anthony Crupi, Sportico.com, 10 June 2026
Adjective
  • That contrast was also manifest in the relative outcomes; the White House only belatedly announced deals for the sale of 200 Boeing jets and at least $17 billion of American agricultural products annually to China through 2028.
    Charlie Campbell, Time, 20 May 2026
  • Unlike the show’s first teaser, the new clip includes footage of Jordan using his power ring to manifest shields, take flight and even create counterfeit money.
    Tracy Brown, Los Angeles Times, 18 May 2026
Adjective
  • Such an exercise must begin with what likely would be gone, namely Tyler Herro, Kel’el Ware and any tangible draft reinforcement until at least 2033, considering the draft capital that assuredly would be insisted upon by the Bucks.
    Ira Winderman, Sun Sentinel, 6 June 2026
  • The fixture schedule makes this tangible.
    Alan McCall, New York Times, 5 June 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 13 Jun. 2026.

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