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
  • Often the most fascinating questions are the ones with no obvious or direct rewards.
    Jeanna Bryner, Scientific American, 15 Sep. 2026
  • If an offside decision is obvious, the VAR clears it immediately.
    Graham Scott, New York Times, 15 Sep. 2026
Adjective
  • Epstein investigation churns in Congress Black is the latest among several prominent figures, including former President Clinton and Bill Gates, who have been asked to appear as part of the Oversight Committee’s long-running probe of Epstein.
    Lisa Mascaro, Los Angeles Times, 16 Sep. 2026
  • While the film festival has always drawn stars sporting designer style from various fashion houses and labels, the couture streak for the 2026 red carpet feels far more prominent than in years past.
    Julia Teti, Footwear News, 16 Sep. 2026
Adjective
  • When Nabers was sidelined, the Giants had a conspicuous lack of offensive game-wreckers, and Dart was routinely out-gunned.
    Andy Behrens, New York Times, 11 Sep. 2026
  • Tina Weymouth, Talking Heads Play There have been a conspicuous number of great punk and alternative bands whose only female member played bass, including Sonic Youth, the Pixies, the Smashing Pumpkins, Black Flag, and Superchunk.
    Al Shipley, SPIN, 8 Sep. 2026
Adjective
  • Roman design studio Roselli Architetti was enlisted to restore it into one building without forgetting its history; the result is a striking design that blends ancient artifacts with retro midcentury flooring and contemporary furnishings.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 18 Sep. 2026
  • While eight of these cases were in Miami-Dade and Palm Beach counties, a striking 95 occurred in Hillsborough County, where mosquito control teams are working overtime and ramping up spraying.
    Cindy Krischer Goodman, Miami Herald, 17 Sep. 2026
Adjective
  • Our crews noticed that since Sabini's death, the white striping and bicycle lane indicators had been repainted with new white paint, but no other noticeable changes have been made.
    Ashley Sharp, CBS News, 18 Sep. 2026
  • Pisces February 19 – March 20 Questions of trust may become more noticeable today, especially where money, privacy, or emotional dependence is involved.
    Tarot.com, Hartford Courant, 18 Sep. 2026
Adjective
  • That was evident this month at the United Nations when a General Assembly vote endorsed a map with a different way of looking at the world than has more commonly been used.
    ABC News, ABC News, 20 Sep. 2026
  • According to Espinoza, Dwabe’s love for others was evident early on.
    Harriet Ramos, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 20 Sep. 2026
Adjective
  • Two years later, as massive success seemed like the Eagles’ manifest destiny, that tandem cut their bandmates out of a publishing deal, setting themselves up with a never-ending sinecure but setting their original quartet up to crumble.
    Grayson Haver Currin, Pitchfork, 30 Aug. 2026
  • The books’ capacious geography felt like a girlish form of manifest destiny.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 26 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • Her compositions aim to depict a feeling rather than something tangible, with a driving force derived from Surrealism and fueled by imagination and a passion for creation.
    Tianwei Zhang, Footwear News, 18 Sep. 2026
  • This is not surprising, because diesel is the economy's single most universal tangible input, said David Russell, global head of market strategy at TradeStation Group.
    Kevin Williams, CNBC, 17 Sep. 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 Sep. 2026.

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