discernible

adjective

dis·​cern·​ible di-ˈsər-nə-bəl 

-ˈzər-

variants or less commonly discernable

: able to be perceived by a sense (such as sight or smell) or by the mind : capable of being discerned

a discernible difference

It is thought that the genes that normally produce a white underbelly in the gray squirrel are active in a wider area of their bodies, often leaving discernible gray patches on the spine and head.

—C. Claiborne Ray

Downpours are a near-daily occurrence throughout the year, and there are few discernible changes of season. Sunlight, warmth, and moisture are constants.

—Scott Wallace

discernibly

di-ˈsər-nə-blē 

-ˈzər-

adverb

or less commonly discernably

a discernibly better product

two materials that are not discernibly different

When a recipe says to brown the meat, it is calling for a deep brown sear and a discernibly thick crust on all sides …

—Cook's Illustrated

Synonyms of discernible

• distinguishable
• noticeable
• audible
• detectable
• perceptible

Examples of discernible in a Sentence

discernible differences in the two authors' writing styles

Recent Examples on the Web

There would be no discernible change to Bailey’s attacking production. — Jacob Tanswell, New York Times, 3 Sep. 2026

In recent years, there has been a discernible trend toward promoting officers close to Netanyahu, the settlers, or both. — Amos Harel, Foreign Affairs, 2 Sep. 2026

If a cluster is determined to exist in Ladera Ranch, epidemiologists Logan Spector and Joseph Wiemels warn that there may be no discernible cause. — Clara Harter, Los Angeles Times, 30 Aug. 2026

The drawings are often double-sided, with no discernible up or down. — Laura Preston, New Yorker, 30 Aug. 2026

Word History

Etymology

discernible borrowed from Late Latin discernibilis, from Latin discernere "to separate, divide off, distinguish, discern" + -ibilis -ible; discernable from discern + -able, after Late Latin discernibilis

First Known Use

1561, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for discernible

• discernable
• returnable
• indiscernible