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
  • In its wildest moments, Coogler’s film seems like a collision of Lovecraft Country with True Blood, though more obvious comparisons will likely be drawn to From Dusk Till Dawn.
    David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 10 Apr. 2025
  • Entertainment Fans of the show on social media seem to be missing a lot of crucial character development, and there’s an obvious explanation why.
    Kathleen Walsh, Glamour, 10 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • But the coaching change Juve made last month – discussed at length in this previous column – instantly pushed the him into a more prominent role.
    Adam Digby, Forbes.com, 7 Apr. 2025
  • Tesla was already struggling in recent months in connection with Musk’s prominent role in the administration.
    Julia Shapero, The Hill, 7 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • George Leef made note of the outlet’s conspicuous hostility toward the capitalist enterprise.
    Noah Rothman, National Review, 2 Apr. 2025
  • There was a point where that was much more conspicuous.
    Lexy Perez, The Hollywood Reporter, 24 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • But what’s most striking on this new photo is at the top of the phone.
    David Phelan, Forbes.com, 5 Apr. 2025
  • The sunset colors of the house’s terra-cotta facade are as striking and ornate as ever.
    Thao Thai, Southern Living, 5 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Based on the study’s results, Tucker’s team believes that survivors of severe trauma may see noticeable changes in their biological systems’ baseline levels.
    Andrew Paul, Popular Science, 10 Apr. 2025
  • Moment Mom Realizes What 11-Year-Old Daughter Had Been Doing With Scissors By Jack Beresford Senior Life and Trends Reporter Newsweek Is A Trust Project Member news article 0 A mom was shocked to discover that her 11-year-old daughter had made some noticeable modifications to her school uniform.
    Raja Krishnamoorthi, MSNBC Newsweek, 9 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • That was evident in New Orleans last year as storms like Hurricane Francine soaked the city.
    Umair Irfan, Wired News, 5 Apr. 2025
  • That quality was evident in Father Arul, who left India to come to the heartland of America and serve the people of the Catholic Church in northeast Kansas.
    Greg Norman, FOXNews.com, 5 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • The potential this represents for businesses is manifest—those that adapt to a borderless talent economy will gain access to the best minds, the most dynamic markets and the newest investment opportunities.
    Bernardo Saraiva, Forbes.com, 27 Mar. 2025
  • The capitulation to Trump was manifest in Senate Republican’s refusal to block any of the president’s cast of unqualified and dangerous nominees to serve in senior cabinet positions.
    Mordechai Gordon, Hartford Courant, 28 Feb. 2025
Adjective
  • There needs to be more open dialogue fostered within companies for these very real aspects of life and tangible support from employers during these periods.
    Mara Santilli, Flow Space, 28 Mar. 2025
  • But the benefit, if the strikes are successful, will be tangible to America.
    Tiana Lowe Doescher, The Washington Examiner, 28 Mar. 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 16 Apr. 2025.

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