imperceptible

adjective

im·​per·​cep·​ti·​ble ˌim-pər-ˈsep-tə-bəl 

: not perceptible by a sense or by the mind : extremely slight, gradual, or subtle

imperceptible differences

imperceptibly

ˌim-pər-ˈsep-tə-blē 

adverb

Synonyms

• invisible
• subtle
• indistinguishable

Examples of imperceptible in a Sentence

These changes will be imperceptible to most people.

a slight difference in hue between the two glasses that's imperceptible unless they're placed side by side

Recent Examples on the Web

Caplan-Auerbach is studying nearly imperceptible seismic tremors that have preceded major landslides, including the August one in Tracy Arm. —Ella Nilsen, CNN Money, 22 Oct. 2025

For most folks watching at home, the change was imperceptible. —Dieter Kurtenbach, Mercury News, 20 Oct. 2025

But about two-thirds of the way through, Roofman makes a quiet, almost imperceptible shift toward melancholy. —Stephanie Zacharek, Time, 10 Oct. 2025

The imperceptible do-si-do of my matter and yours in the air between us. —Betty Gilpin, HollywoodReporter, 9 Oct. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Middle French, from Medieval Latin imperceptibilis, from Latin in- + Late Latin perceptibilis perceptible

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for imperceptible

• acceptable
• perceptible
• susceptible
• unacceptable

Kids Definition

imperceptible

adjective

im·​per·​cep·​ti·​ble ˌim-pər-ˈsep-tə-bəl 

1

: not noticeable : not perceptible by a sense or by the mind

one whose beauty was imperceptible to others

2

: hardly noticeable : very small or gradual

an imperceptible smile

imperceptibly

-blē 

adverb