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 was a discernible shift away from outlandish theatrics toward clothes that feel purposeful and directional — modern classics rather than transient one-offs. —Lisa Lockwood, Footwear News, 17 Feb. 2026

Surprisingly, these conflicts are not about politics — feuding parties’ voting preferences are only occasionally discernible, and never at the heart of their disputes. —Tessa Stuart, Rolling Stone, 17 Feb. 2026

The scant criminal charges filed against disruptive demonstrators reflect a discernible scarcity of arrests citywide. —Mia Cathell, The Washington Examiner, 13 Feb. 2026

While the production design has a clearly discernible vision, several of the characters have room to grow in Remy Bumppo’s staging. —Emily McClanathan, Chicago Tribune, 11 Feb. 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