Thesaurus.com
Dictionary.com
Showing results for ponderous. Search instead for sonderbefugnis.
Definitions

ponderous

[pon-der-uhs] / ˈpɒn dər əs /
ADJECTIVE
heavy, cumbersome
Synonyms
STRONGEST
awkward bulky clumsy unwieldy weighty
WEAK
burdensome cumbrous dull elephantine graceless hefty huge laborious lifeless lumbering massive onerous oppressive substantial troublesome unhandy
Antonyms
STRONGEST
adroit clever convenient dexterous easy graceful handy small thin
WEAK
airy buoyant delicate fun light unburdensome
ADJECTIVE
dreary, tedious
Synonyms
STRONGEST
labored monotonous plodding stilted stodgy stuffy
WEAK
arid barren cardboard dry dull heavy humdrum lifeless long-winded pedantic pedestrian prolix stiff vapid verbose wooden
Antonyms
STRONGEST
exciting
WEAK
airy buoyant delicate fun light unburdensome

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Asked about the characterization of European initiatives to boost growth as slow and ponderous, Lancastle argues this is no longer valid.

From MarketWatch • Feb. 16, 2026

It contains lots of instances of its heroine stopping to wonder what everything means, which is another way of saying it’s ponderous and pretentious.

From The Wall Street Journal • Dec. 11, 2025

Liverpool were slow, ponderous and lacking in ideas.

From BBC • Dec. 3, 2025

Despite Chelsea's territorial dominance, their fans began to grow frustrated at their ponderous passing and failure to put Wolves to the sword.

From Barron's • Nov. 8, 2025

Their once rounded bodies were angular and bony now, sharp small bones like the bones of birds, except for their ponderous bellies.

From "The Good Earth" by Pearl S. Buck

Vocabulary lists containing ponderous

Their Eyes Were Watching God

Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!

Mythology

Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!

"The Odyssey," Vocabulary from Part 1 of the epic poem

Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!