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
  • AccuWeather senior meteorologist Tom Kines told Newsweek the most obvious impact from the smoke would be hazy skies, which could contribute to visually beautiful sunrises and sunsets in the affected areas.
    Anna Skinner, MSNBC Newsweek, 29 May 2025
  • But in terms of the excitement and electricity, the parallels between Verlander and Skubal are obvious.
    Cody Stavenhagen, New York Times, 29 May 2025
Adjective
  • This news dovetails with previous events, such as Trump welcoming the prominent antisemites Nick Fuentes and Kanye West to his home for dinner.
    Jelani Cobb, New Yorker, 25 May 2025
  • The cooked agave notes are more prominent on the palate, accompanied by citrus and tropical fruits, a touch of anise/licorice, and a mild pepperiness.
    Joseph V Micallef, Forbes.com, 24 May 2025
Adjective
  • The goal is to embed digital functionality within eyewear in a manner that blends with contemporary style, aiming for a less conspicuous technological presence.
    Alex Levin, Forbes.com, 21 May 2025
  • Former Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg has been making the podcast rounds, and is set to headline a conspicuous town hall in Iowa later this month.
    S.E. Cupp, New York Daily News, 6 May 2025
Adjective
  • The Valkyries missed their first 17 3-point attempts and couldn’t find any consistency at the rim, but kept the game within striking distance throughout the second half.
    Nathan Canilao, Mercury News, 22 May 2025
  • Parker, 60, wore a striking navy raw silk gown completed with Vivienne Westwood's signature corset design.
    Madison E. Goldberg, People.com, 22 May 2025
Adjective
  • Last year, there were multiple reports and videos of noticeable early exits at various Trump events.
    Martha McHardy, MSNBC Newsweek, 31 May 2025
  • Most notably, though, Musk arrived with an immediately noticeable bruise on his right eye.
    Meredith Kile, People.com, 30 May 2025
Adjective
  • And the sense of community that this helps to build will, of course, be evident when those enthusiastic readers meet each other and some of their literary heroes next month.
    Roger Trapp, Forbes.com, 23 May 2025
  • The effect was evident in women, but not statistically significant in men.
    Carla K. Johnson, Los Angeles Times, 23 May 2025
Adjective
  • Michael Kimmelman, The Times’s chief architecture critic and Headway’s editor at large, recently had the chance to see one of these back-to-the-future visions made manifest.
    New York Times, New York Times, 1 May 2025
  • He will always be remembered for his manifest humility, simplicity of life, and tireless love for the poor.
    Daniel Foster, National Review, 15 May 2025
Adjective
  • By co-creating these processes, organizations ensure that predictions align with strategic goals and lead to tangible action.
    Zohar Bronfman, Forbes.com, 27 May 2025
  • Since Russian and Ukrainian delegations met in Turkey earlier this month for their first direct talks in three years, a large prisoner exchange has been the only tangible outcome, but negotiations have brought no significant breakthrough.
    Hanna Arhirova, Los Angeles Times, 27 May 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 6 Jun. 2025.

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