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
  • Mountains are always there, but another form of turbulence can seemingly appear from nowhere, with no obvious visual cues to warn pilots.
    Renée Rigdon, CNN Money, 7 Aug. 2025
  • Nowhere is that more obvious or more urgent than in education.
    Dan Fitzpatrick, Forbes.com, 7 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • So far, the World Games 2025 is the most prominent global appearance for this hip hop dance form since the Paris Olympics in August 2024, at least in a sporting context.
    Jason Pu, Forbes.com, 17 Aug. 2025
  • Sawfish look prehistoric and are named for their most prominent feature: their long, flat rostrum, with spiky scales that look like teeth.
    Jack Prator, The Orlando Sentinel, 16 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • Anderson, looking every inch a Pre-Raphaelite muse, plays the penniless, unmarried, and — worst of all — conspicuous socialite Lily Bart.
    Elle Carroll, Vulture, 11 Aug. 2025
  • Some of the most desirable brands let the product speak for itself rather than resorting to conspicuous branding and flashy gimmicks.
    Matteo Atti, Forbes.com, 11 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • That is the title of a striking piece of artwork hung high above the London skyline, depicting a brooding photograph of Mikel Arteta marking out something that looked like stream-of-consciousness ideas in black paint.
    Amy Lawrence, New York Times, 14 Aug. 2025
  • With its long, silky coat and striking appearance, the breed is also known for its spirited nature, which can make early training an energetic undertaking.
    Melissa Fleur Afshar, MSNBC Newsweek, 13 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • However, many fear this will eventually result in noticeable price hikes for consumers.
    Hugh Cameron, MSNBC Newsweek, 8 Aug. 2025
  • But a noticeable upswing in Perseid activity begins during the second week of August, leading up to their peak night.
    Joe Rao, Space.com, 8 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • This greater understanding of how to effectively use AI was evident as brands used the technology in more compelling, smarter ways across campaigns.
    Emily Ketchen, Forbes.com, 15 Aug. 2025
  • The same trend was evident at the World Artificial Intelligence Film Festival in Nice, where emotional storytelling prevailed over technical skill.
    Bogdan Nesvit, Rolling Stone, 15 Aug. 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
  • The deal reflects Trump’s strategy of mixing economics and diplomacy, giving the U.S. a tangible stake in the area.
    Brady Knox, The Washington Examiner, 19 Aug. 2025
  • Done correctly, fostering innovation consistently delivers tangible business benefits: • Competitive Advantage: Simply put, innovative organizations are more agile.
    Josh Dunham, Forbes.com, 19 Aug. 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.

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Ponderable.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/ponderable. Accessed 23 Aug. 2025.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!