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

• impalpable
• inappreciable
• indistinguishable
• insensible

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

Now, most tremors are less than magnitude 3, basically imperceptible, and life on the island is returning to normal. —Niki Kitsantonis, New York Times, 4 Apr. 2025

When dusk descends into darkness, thousands of the insects light up in unison to the beat of some imperceptible drum. —Lisa Cericola, Southern Living, 15 Jan. 2025

The emotional cost of mentally undoing and redoing past events might be imperceptible in the moment, but compounds considerably in the long run. —Mark Travers, Forbes.com, 16 Apr. 2025

There was very little, almost imperceptible cross-control. —ArsTechnica, 1 Apr. 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