Definition of sensiblenext
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Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective sensible contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of sensible are appreciable, palpable, perceptible, ponderable, and tangible. While all these words mean "apprehensible as real or existent," sensible applies to whatever is clearly apprehended through the senses or impresses itself strongly on the mind.

an abrupt, sensible drop in temperature

In what contexts can appreciable take the place of sensible?

The words appreciable and sensible can be used in similar contexts, but appreciable applies to what is distinctly discernible by the senses or definitely measurable.

an appreciable increase in income

When is palpable a more appropriate choice than sensible?

While in some cases nearly identical to sensible, palpable applies either to what has physical substance or to what is obvious and unmistakable.

the tension in the air was almost palpable

When might perceptible be a better fit than sensible?

The meanings of perceptible and sensible largely overlap; however, 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 could ponderable be used to replace sensible?

Although the words ponderable and sensible have much in common, ponderable suggests having definitely measurable weight or importance.

exerted a ponderable influence on world events

Where would tangible be a reasonable alternative to sensible?

The synonyms tangible and sensible are sometimes interchangeable, but tangible suggests what is capable of being handled or grasped both physically and mentally.

no tangible evidence of UFOs

Example Sentences

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.
Recent Examples of sensible Young defensemen with upside — such as Michael Kesselring, Simon Nemec, Olen Zellweger and Pavel Mintyukov — could be sensible targets. Harman Dayal, New York Times, 13 June 2026 Whether this is a welcome development — and whether Chattanooga’s sturdy new courthouse is a dangerous precedent or a sensible safeguard of civic tradition — may depend as much on your politics as your taste. Oscar Holland, CNN Money, 12 June 2026 Peter Wallich, a senior research manager at an AI safety research center called the Constellation Institute, said the rocky rollout was less than ideal but sensible given the powerful technology. Jared Perlo, NBC news, 11 June 2026 What Blinken and the others on the panel had to say was sober and sensible. Missy Ryan, The Atlantic, 10 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for sensible
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sensible
Adjective
  • While this might seem like the logical next step in the hiring process for a Ryan Murphy show, the suggestion felt anything but.
    Connor Hines, Los Angeles Times, 15 June 2026
  • The move made little logical sense at the time.
    Sean Gregory, Time, 14 June 2026
Adjective
  • This is worth remembering amid perhaps reasonable excitement about the World Cup.
    John Tamny, Forbes.com, 20 June 2026
  • Fortunately, this month New York’s Legislature passed the bipartisan Responsible Data Center Development Act placing a 1-year moratorium on data center development while reasonable safeguards are created.
    Liz Krueger, New York Daily News, 20 June 2026
Adjective
  • The replica Tower sign hews close to the original, though the two are clearly distinguishable from one another.
    Graham Womack, Sacbee.com, 1 June 2026
  • This is a type of employment that, as Johnson lead counsel Paul McDonald has stressed, is legally distinguishable from professional employment and is structured differently (for example, student employment is exempt from FICA taxes).
    Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 20 May 2026
Adjective
  • Another way to stay hydrated is to avoid drinking alcohol, because alcoholic beverages cause dehydration and also make people less aware of heat illness symptoms, says Vanos.
    Rebecca Hersher, NPR, 17 June 2026
  • The mayor and the police department should’ve been more aware of the possibility of this happening from previous incidents and prepared for it.
    Voice of the People, New York Daily News, 17 June 2026
Adjective
  • None are credible challengers; Matt Conroy is the more reasoned and moderate of the three.
    The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 11 Feb. 2026
  • This is a time for cool, calm and reasoned debate, and for legislators to think through the consequences of legislation put forth.
    Bobby Zirkin, Baltimore Sun, 15 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • Forced Selling Creates Market Mispricing The market is not a rational machine.
    Jim Osman, Forbes.com, 19 June 2026
  • If Iran’s rulers are so rational and nice, one wonders why their potential acquisition of a nuclear weapon would so concern the United States.
    Jonathan Chait, The Atlantic, 17 June 2026
Adjective
  • If the sky becomes menacing and thunder becomes audible, seek out a safe place to seek shelter.
    KANSAS CITY STAR WEATHER BOT, Kansas City Star, 14 June 2026
  • Israel’s military said the militant group launched three projectiles, releasing video in which an audible boom was followed by rising smoke.
    Julia Frankel, Los Angeles Times, 14 June 2026
Adjective
  • However, for the health-conscious, unsweetened ice tea is just as flavorful.
    BestReviews, Mercury News, 19 June 2026
  • But since the 1990s, the Tartan Army has made a conscious effort to reshape its image.
    Miami Herald, Miami Herald, 19 June 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Sensible.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sensible. Accessed 22 Jun. 2026.

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