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
  • But a sharp turn straight into country seems like far too obvious a path for a singer-songwriter who has quietly done her own thing.
    Julyssa Lopez, Rolling Stone, 14 July 2025
  • And then there are the descriptions of the additional terms, which may not be obvious.
    Erik Sherman, Forbes.com, 14 July 2025
Adjective
  • That’s why one of the race’s most prominent sponsorships—the official jersey provider—has been controversial among riders for decades.
    Eben Novy-Williams, Sportico.com, 12 July 2025
  • The largest and most prominent piece in the exhibit, which runs through Oct. 19, is not by its main subject, 18th century artist George Romney.
    Christopher Arnott, Hartford Courant, 12 July 2025
Adjective
  • With the conspicuous exception of Algeria, interest in Russia’s strategic S-300 and S-400 systems might have already peaked throughout the wider region.
    Paul Iddon, Forbes.com, 8 July 2025
  • In a perfect world for Holmgren, his return to the Jimmy Lee Recreation Center in St. Paul on Thursday afternoon would have been much less conspicuous.
    Dane Mizutani, Twin Cities, 3 July 2025
Adjective
  • Raina Lipsitz: That’s what was most striking to me.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 10 July 2025
  • His work presents a vivid record of what is at stake and a striking contrast to his earlier images of exploitation and ruin.
    Nicholas Creel, MSNBC Newsweek, 10 July 2025
Adjective
  • The ribbed texture is noticeable, but not too thick, and the contouring on the back and front could not be more flattering.
    Katie Jackson, Travel + Leisure, 6 July 2025
  • The team issued an advisory noting that residents in nearby communities may see a noticeable increase in smoke July 5 coming from the southwest flank of the Oak Ridge Fire.
    Arlyssa D. Becenti, AZCentral.com, 5 July 2025
Adjective
  • In a sense, that was evident a week ago, when the Hornets’ rookie class inked their respective contracts.
    Roderick Boone, Charlotte Observer, 10 July 2025
  • The club’s communication has not helped, though noticeable strides in transparency have been evident since the saga of Alvarez’s undiagnosed hand fracture.
    Chandler Rome, New York Times, 10 July 2025
Adjective
  • That is the promise of the America-first agenda made manifest.
    Mohammed Soliman, MSNBC Newsweek, 29 Apr. 2025
  • The arbitrator's award is usually final since the courts may only review an arbitration award for some very serious error, sometimes known as manifest error, such as where the arbitration process in a particular case was corrupt or if the arbitrator exceeds his or her authority.
    Jay Adkisson, Forbes.com, 11 June 2025
Adjective
  • There’s a common uncertainty around where to begin and a lingering question: What real, tangible value will AI bring to the table?
    Steve Cangiano, Forbes.com, 14 July 2025
  • That growth is mainly driven by the bank’s focus on increasing its tangible book value and dividends per share.
    TipRanks.com Staff, CNBC, 13 July 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 19 Jul. 2025.

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