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
  • But just as the rise of AI will be obvious in the ads, the challenges facing the entertainment business will also be reflected.
    Alex Weprin, The Hollywood Reporter, 29 Jan. 2025
  • Viewing it now, the movie’s influence and prescience are more obvious than ever.
    Jim Hemphill, IndieWire, 28 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • Bass, who was seated in a prominent position next to First Lady Melania Trump during the fire station briefing, thanked Trump for arriving in the city so soon after his inauguration and countered his claim that the city would slow-walk rebuilding efforts.
    Julia Wick, Los Angeles Times, 25 Jan. 2025
  • The Dolphins filled one of two prominent openings on their coaching staff on Friday, hiring Robert Prince as receivers coach. Prince, whose hiring was initially reported by NFL Network and confirmed by a league source, replaces Wes Welker, who was not retained.
    Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 25 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • One of the most conspicuous paper tigers in American foreign policy is the Leahy Law, experts say.
    Brett Murphy, ProPublica, 15 Jan. 2025
  • This was how conspicuous the passage of time is in the situation, say by having a large clock nearby or having your phone with you.
    Christian B. Miller, Forbes, 11 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • The lineup was a striking testament to how tech and politics have become increasingly intertwined.
    Cherie Brooke Luo, Forbes, 23 Jan. 2025
  • Both of those averages are within striking distance of new highs.
    Jesse Pound, CNBC, 22 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • The difference in how Andrew carries himself now is noticeable, Caroline said.
    Silas Allen, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 16 Jan. 2025
  • For a movie that looks so remarkably good – from the oppressive, classical set design to the astounding lighting work – Ash's (Rook this time around) uncanny comeback was a noticeable exception.
    Fran Ruiz, Space.com, 15 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • Though the disproportionate dangers of flying in Alaska were evident both then and now, the Douglas C-54D Skymaster carrying Joyce, Jones and 42 others was well equipped to handle what was supposed to be a routine transit flight.
    Francine Uenuma, Smithsonian Magazine, 23 Jan. 2025
  • That was evident when the Panthers went with Cade Mays over Christensen at center.
    Joseph Person, The Athletic, 23 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • 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
  • The center of attention is light as a hinge between new science and old religion — Christian, Jewish and Muslim — as manifest in around 100 Medieval art objects made in Western Europe.
    Christopher Knight, Los Angeles Times, 22 Nov. 2024
Adjective
  • Continental notes were not backed by tangible assets such as gold or silver, but by the trust and promise of the new nation.
    Joel Thayer, Newsweek, 27 Jan. 2025
  • With its advanced technologies, strategic expansion in the U.S., and focus on clean hydrogen, the company is making tangible strides toward a more sustainable future.
    Chris Gallagher, USA TODAY, 25 Jan. 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 1 Feb. 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!