ponderable

adjective

pon·​der·​a·​ble ˈpän-d(ə-)rə-bəl How to pronounce ponderable (audio)
: significant enough to be worth considering : appreciable
Choose the Right Synonym for ponderable

perceptible, sensible, palpable, tangible, appreciable, ponderable mean apprehensible as real or existent.

perceptible applies to what can be discerned by the senses often to a minimal extent.

a perceptible difference in sound to a careful listener

sensible applies to whatever is clearly apprehended through the senses or impresses itself strongly on the mind.

an abrupt, sensible drop in temperature

palpable applies either to what has physical substance or to what is obvious and unmistakable.

the tension in the air was almost palpable

tangible suggests what is capable of being handled or grasped both physically and mentally.

no tangible evidence of UFOs

appreciable applies to what is distinctly discernible by the senses or definitely measurable.

an appreciable increase in income

ponderable suggests having definitely measurable weight or importance.

exerted a ponderable influence on world events

Word History

Etymology

Late Latin ponderabilis, from ponderare

First Known Use

1813, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of ponderable was in 1813

Dictionary Entries Near ponderable

Cite this Entry

“Ponderable.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ponderable. Accessed 21 Nov. 2024.

Medical Definition

ponderable

adjective
pon·​der·​a·​ble ˈpän-d(ə-)rə-bəl How to pronounce ponderable (audio)
: capable of being weighed

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