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 The skin is not perceptible, as Jesse said. Bon Appétit, Bon Appetit Magazine, 4 Sep. 2025 With a barely perceptible lurch, the airboat hurdled the canal bank and seemed to hover above it. Nathaniel Rich, Harpers Magazine, 20 Aug. 2025 Tannins: As expected in rosé, there are no perceptible tannins here. Elise Taylor, Vogue, 6 Aug. 2025 This is especially perceptible in states where linguistic and cultural identities have long been a point of pride, such as Tamil Nadu. Yamini Aiyar, Foreign Affairs, 23 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for perceptible
Recent Examples of Synonyms for perceptible
Adjective
  • The 300-second exposure shows the wandering solar system body as a minute dot, barely distinguishable among the stellar giants populating the distant starfield beyond.
    Anthony Wood, Space.com, 1 Sep. 2025
  • His distinguishable look, punctuated by a large black beard, became iconic.
    Nate Gartrell, Mercury News, 19 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • If the sky becomes menacing and thunder becomes audible, seek out a safe place to seek shelter.
    CA Weather Bot, Sacbee.com, 28 Sep. 2025
  • His phone rang, an audible vibration inside the fanny pack.
    David Wright Faladé, New Yorker, 28 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • The difference is slightly more noticeable with details in the background of an image than with details in the foreground, as visible in the Lego castle surrounding Lego Mario.
    ArsTechnica, ArsTechnica, 25 Sep. 2025
  • Within a couple months, though, the changes were so noticeable, nobody felt like the follow-up test was necessary.
    Brenda Goodman, CNN Money, 24 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • The shape of the film, discernable even in a rough cut, is as gracefully natural as its subject is urgent and its discussions are passionate.
    Richard Brody, New Yorker, 23 Sep. 2025
  • The other checkpoint area seemed to have more security guards directing the crowd into easily discernible lines with megaphones.
    Arizona Republic, AZCentral.com, 21 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • The hydrogen atoms in the exosphere generate a faint glow called the geocorona, which is only detectable in ultraviolet light at great distances.
    Kyle Orland, ArsTechnica, 24 Sep. 2025
  • It is estimated that there are 500,000 detectable earthquakes in the world each year.
    CA Earthquake Bot, Sacbee.com, 24 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Chaos is sorted into appreciable story arcs without diluting its overwhelming effect on our heroes.
    Ben Travers, IndieWire, 24 Sep. 2025
  • There was not a ton of difference appreciable between the winless Fins and the Super Bowl-favorite Bills.
    Miami Herald, Miami Herald, 19 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Perceptible.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/perceptible. Accessed 1 Oct. 2025.

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