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
  • And then there are the descriptions of the additional terms, which may not be obvious.
    Erik Sherman, Forbes.com, 14 July 2025
  • 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
Adjective
  • In March 2019, authorities arrested and charged more than 50 people, including coaches, test administrators, prominent CEOs, and the Hollywood stars.
    Eric Levenson, CNN Money, 24 July 2025
  • Estonia is widely considered a prominent tech hub in Europe.
    Ryan Browne, CNBC, 24 July 2025
Adjective
  • This emphasis on women’s bodies and behaviors is especially conspicuous amid a broader cultural preoccupation with male virility.
    Lucy Tu, The Atlantic, 11 July 2025
  • Even more conspicuous is the level of ostentatious wealth fundamental to the supercar industry’s survival, since the cars sell for hundreds of thousands of dollars.
    The New York Times News Service Syndicate, San Diego Union-Tribune, 6 July 2025
Adjective
  • The sweater in question bears a striking resemblance to the kind Bill Cosby became famous for wearing.
    Mychal Denzel Smith, Time, 22 July 2025
  • The characters share striking similarities to Byron and Cabot, down to their clothes.
    Alexis Simmerman, Austin American Statesman, 22 July 2025
Adjective
  • Some people find that getting a tan makes their acne less noticeable, but these effects are temporary.
    Sherri Gordon, Health, 15 July 2025
  • While Skai did point out noticeable shedding in the front of her hair, her overall appearance looks healthy.
    Elizabeth Ayoola, Essence, 14 July 2025
Adjective
  • The talent is evident, yet the three aim to stay humble.
    Charles Baggarly, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 22 July 2025
  • That blend of tradition and innovation is evident in both the menu and the experience.
    Chelsea Davis, Forbes.com, 22 July 2025
Adjective
  • Untouched and undiscovered Tulum is not, but its magnetism is still manifest in its profound natural beauty, immense history, and pristine beaches scientifically proven to be the whitest in the world.
    Carley Rojas Avila, Travel + Leisure, 19 July 2025
  • That deep experience was manifest in Wednesday’s performance.
    Hannah Edgar, Chicago Tribune, 17 July 2025
Adjective
  • Trump's war against the higher education establishment is long overdue and is already paying huge tangible dividends.
    Josh Hammer, MSNBC Newsweek, 25 July 2025
  • Decision outcome improvement quantifies the tangible uplift in valuable results achieved when AI influences a decision, versus the baseline without it.
    Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 25 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 30 Jul. 2025.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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