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
  • If Hollywood waves are the definition of classic hair, then the makeup equivalent is certainly obvious.
    India Espy-Jones, Essence, 9 Feb. 2025
  • With New York Fashion Week underway, the most obvious place to scout for fresh haircut inspiration would be backstage.
    Jacqueline Kilikita, refinery29.com, 7 Feb. 2025
Adjective
  • Biden also commuted the sentences of most of the inmates on federal death row, and pardoned prominent figures including the late civil rights leader Marcus Garvey.
    N'dea Yancey-Bragg, USA TODAY, 19 Feb. 2025
  • Once in Boston, he is paired with Detective Lena Peters, the eldest daughter of a prominent law enforcement family.
    Nellie Andreeva, Deadline, 18 Feb. 2025
Adjective
  • Since then, her appearances at NFL games has been conspicuous and often noted by NFL commentators.
    Raechal Shewfelt, EW.com, 15 Feb. 2025
  • That kind of picking and choosing is more conspicuous than ever.
    Nina Metz, Chicago Tribune, 5 Feb. 2025
Adjective
  • Meanwhile, she’s drawn to Anja (Saskia Rosendahl), a struggling single mother from the Brandenburg countryside where Isabell’s architect father built a striking modernist home.
    Alissa Simon, Variety, 16 Feb. 2025
  • There are other big names within striking distance of first place, Bryson DeChambeau at four under par, Brooks Koepka and Bubba Watson at three under par, and Phil Mickelson at even par.
    Josh Hammer, Newsweek, 15 Feb. 2025
Adjective
  • Dehydrated skin can make fine lines more noticeable.
    Jenna Ryu, SELF, 11 Feb. 2025
  • The penalty tilt has noticeable in the past 12 Kansas City postseason games as Chiefs opponents have been flagged more 11 times, with one tie.
    Omar Kelly, Miami Herald, 8 Feb. 2025
Adjective
  • His performance in junior open-wheel racing is evident from his title win in the 2018 USF Pro 2000 Championship and his P2 finish in the 2019 Indy Lights series.
    Josh Hammer, Newsweek, 16 Feb. 2025
  • And when the crosses did come on — Alex Iwobi also delivered eight from the other wing — the extra body Nuno wanted in defence was not always evident.
    Paul Taylor, The Athletic, 16 Feb. 2025
Adjective
  • Herein lies the manifest dagger pointed at the Abraham accords and at the West’s strategic partners in the region.
    Melik Kaylan, Forbes, 29 Jan. 2025
  • For markets, this China-first approach has been manifest in Washington’s promiscuous use of unilateral sanctions against Asian companies that interact with China’s high-tech industrial base.
    Evan A. Feigenbaum, Forbes, 5 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • The Fourth Appendix — as in the actual, tangible prop — existed in multiple forms and sizes to accommodate different camera angles.
    Jen Chaney, Vulture, 7 Feb. 2025
  • But there are also less tangible factors to be weighed that couldn’t be measured in dollars and cents, Harper acknowledged.
    Lori Weisberg, San Diego Union-Tribune, 7 Feb. 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.

Thesaurus Entries Near ponderable

Cite this Entry

“Ponderable.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/ponderable. Accessed 22 Feb. 2025.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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