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
  • The steam shovel, which has occupied a prominent position for two years or more opposite the Chellin garage, was shipped out of town last week to do service elsewhere.
    Contributed Content, Twin Cities, 7 Feb. 2025
  • The performance of the hymn at last year's Super Bowl caused anger among prominent members of the MAGA movement.
    Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 6 Feb. 2025
Adjective
  • And yet Danielle is currently playing The Traitors so poorly — making big, sloppy, conspicuous moves, alienating potential allies, and fancying herself an Oscar-winning actress while displaying community-center theatrics — that even scene-stealing ignoramus Tom Sandoval has taken notice.
    Joe Reid, Vulture, 30 Jan. 2025
  • Mehta, an Obama appointee, imposed the location restrictions after Rhodes made a conspicuous return to the Capitol on Wednesday and, according to the Hill, met with Rep. Gus Bilirakis (R-FL).
    Ashley Oliver, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 24 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • This past year was a landmark year for women in music, both commercially and artistically, and the Grammys offered a striking snapshot of the riches.
    Carrie Battan, The New Yorker, 3 Feb. 2025
  • But Ling’s power for the subtle and striking details and confident simplicity have enraptured Joy, and propelled her onto new fashion terrain.
    Anna Cafolla, Vogue, 3 Feb. 2025
Adjective
  • Using wigs, hats, scarves, or other styling options can make hair loss less noticeable, and looser hairstyles are less likely to lead to hair loss and damage.13 Sometimes, hair loss resolves on its own.
    Michael MacIntyre, Verywell Health, 31 Jan. 2025
  • Signs of Endometriosis The most common and noticeable symptom of endometriosis is pain.
    Rena Goldman, Health, 31 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • This camaraderie was evident watching the National Championships last weekend when Amber Glenn, who went on to win her second national championship, wished another skater good luck as that skater prepared to compete.
    Sarah Hughes, TIME, 4 Feb. 2025
  • The painting features robust, muscular figures in the style of Michelangelo and references the Klan, Nazism, torture, communism, and the Inquisition, evident in such forms as a swastika, hooded figures, a cross, and a hammer and sickle.
    News Desk, Artforum, 3 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
  • 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 10 Feb. 2025.

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