Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective perceptible contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of perceptible are appreciable, palpable, ponderable, sensible, and tangible. While all these words mean "apprehensible as real or existent," perceptible applies to what can be discerned by the senses often to a minimal extent.

a perceptible difference in sound to a careful listener

In what contexts can appreciable take the place of perceptible?

The words appreciable and perceptible are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, appreciable applies to what is distinctly discernible by the senses or definitely measurable.

an appreciable increase in income

When can palpable be used instead of perceptible?

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

the tension in the air was almost palpable

When is ponderable a more appropriate choice than perceptible?

The meanings of ponderable and perceptible largely overlap; however, ponderable suggests having definitely measurable weight or importance.

exerted a ponderable influence on world events

Where would sensible be a reasonable alternative to perceptible?

In some situations, the words sensible and perceptible are roughly equivalent. However, sensible applies to whatever is clearly apprehended through the senses or impresses itself strongly on the mind.

an abrupt, sensible drop in temperature

When might tangible be a better fit than perceptible?

Although the words tangible and perceptible have much in common, 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 perceptible However, the romantic narrative is punctuated by subtle moments of unease, each barely perceptible on its own but which, taken together, build into something rather more sinister. Stephanie Hirschmiller, Forbes, 6 Mar. 2025 Because far-off stars would be static over successive nights, nearer, moving objects would stand out against the backdrop — but, for an object as distant as Pluto, the motion would be barely perceptible. John Loeffler, Space.com, 18 Feb. 2025 Those in-the-moment progressions can feel tiny and barely perceptible from one session to the next. Cindy Kuzma, SELF, 16 Jan. 2025 By modernizing systems and processes where unnecessary friction exists, the healthcare industry can make improvements that have a perceptible impact on those delivering and receiving care. Amanda Eisel, Forbes, 14 Jan. 2025 See All Example Sentences for perceptible
Recent Examples of Synonyms for perceptible
Adjective
  • If the sky becomes menacing and thunder becomes audible, seek out a safe place to seek shelter.
    NC Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 30 Apr. 2025
  • The artist formerly known as Kanye West has gotten into the live stream game recently, meaning his X rants are now audible and visible on a more consistent basis.
    Armon Sadler, VIBE.com, 30 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • While Steve Austin's presence at WWE WrestleMania 41 was a highlight for many fans, his entrance wasn't without a minor, yet noticeable, hiccup.
    Andrew Ravens‎, MSNBC Newsweek, 1 May 2025
  • While all of the men had shaved heads and were wearing cloaks with a mysterious symbol on the back, the group's most noticeable trait was that each and every member had Glasgow smile-type scars carved into their faces.
    Megan McCluskey, Time, 28 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Lacking an apparent story or discernible narrative, your eye/mind/attention/consciousness (yes, all of these things, all at once) were left to track the taut zebra strings traversing the prop-laden set.
    Andrew Lampert, Artforum, 1 May 2025
  • Many of the more distant galaxies in this frame appear starlike, with no discernible structure but without the diffraction spikes of a star in our galaxy.
    Alan Taylor, The Atlantic, 28 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • The tactile feedback guides your finger, and there was no appreciable lag in our sessions.
    ArsTechnica, ArsTechnica, 18 Apr. 2025
  • And here everything does ripen, an eventuality that this movie charts with wry humor, appreciable regional sensitivity and many wheels of artisanal cheese.
    The New York Times, New York Times, 28 Mar. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Perceptible.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/perceptible. Accessed 16 May. 2025.

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