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Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective sensible contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of sensible are appreciable, palpable, perceptible, ponderable, and tangible. While all these words mean "apprehensible as real or existent," sensible applies to whatever is clearly apprehended through the senses or impresses itself strongly on the mind.

an abrupt, sensible drop in temperature

In what contexts can appreciable take the place of sensible?

The words appreciable and sensible can be used in similar contexts, but appreciable applies to what is distinctly discernible by the senses or definitely measurable.

an appreciable increase in income

When is palpable a more appropriate choice than sensible?

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

the tension in the air was almost palpable

When might perceptible be a better fit than sensible?

The meanings of perceptible and sensible largely overlap; however, perceptible applies to what can be discerned by the senses often to a minimal extent.

a perceptible difference in sound to a careful listener

When could ponderable be used to replace sensible?

Although the words ponderable and sensible have much in common, ponderable suggests having definitely measurable weight or importance.

exerted a ponderable influence on world events

Where would tangible be a reasonable alternative to sensible?

The synonyms tangible and sensible are sometimes interchangeable, but 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 sensible Perry inherits a team that must find a sensible and sustainable way forward following a tumultuous season that resulted in major upheaval following a rare period of stability. Jason Anderson, Sacbee.com, 23 Apr. 2025 And was always wearing a pair of sensible sneakers. Mike Ryan, IndieWire, 21 Apr. 2025 Spectators got wind of the sensible footwear concealed by the Fiesta finery and began demanding to see the shoes. Jill Robbins, Southern Living, 16 Apr. 2025 The only sensible pathway to being an AI Continent would be to promise that AI innovation is the highest priority. Lance Eliot, Forbes.com, 14 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for sensible
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sensible
Adjective
  • Schumer’s reasoning was clear and logical: a shutdown is inherently bad.
    Bradley Tusk, New York Daily News, 2 May 2025
  • That appeared to be a logical decision given that Świątek had a good chance to capture the gold medal at the Olympics with Roland Garros hosting.
    Matthew Futterman, New York Times, 1 May 2025
Adjective
  • Eureka Innova Cordless Stick Multi-Surface Vacuum for $207: This is a good stick vacuum at a reasonable price.
    Nena Farrell, Wired News, 3 May 2025
  • More importantly, Senators fans should embrace being a fan base with reasonable and growing expectations after years without them.
    Julian McKenzie, New York Times, 2 May 2025
Adjective
  • The White House is likely aware of that fact as it reportedly is expected to go to Congress with a formal request to claw back the $1.1 billion currently allocated for the CPB over the next two years.
    Stephen Battaglio, Los Angeles Times, 2 May 2025
  • People advised to avoid salt or lower sodium in their diet should be aware of this if considering eating sauerkraut.
    Amber J. Tresca, Verywell Health, 2 May 2025
Adjective
  • 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
  • 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
Adjective
  • In a rational market, a CEO who delivers declining sales, shrinking margins, and alienates core customers while pursuing outside interests would see their company's stock value decline until either performance improves or leadership changes.
    Nicholas Creel, MSNBC Newsweek, 1 May 2025
  • In some, the conceit of rational or empirical investigation is coupled with a principle that resists being accounted for in that way: axioms of indifference or exhaustion; rulesof inference;principles of detachment; propertiesof between.
    Jeffrey Weiss, Artforum, 1 May 2025
Adjective
  • The fact that Nicky is suddenly conscious enough to fly it right to its target is certainly questionable, though.
    Louis Peitzman, Vulture, 2 May 2025
  • The trouble is that prematurely assuming a chatbot is conscious could lead to all sorts of problems.
    Susan Schneider, Scientific American, 1 May 2025
Adjective
  • 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
  • The camera is appreciable and clicks sharp photos with popping colors and impressive low-light shots.
    Shubham Yewale, PCMAG, 17 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • His pledge to shift the agency’s posture toward coherent, forward-looking policy marks a significant departure from the SEC’s previous approach.
    Jason Brett, Forbes.com, 28 Apr. 2025
  • After a certain amount of playtime, what’s on-screen stops looking like a coherent world and starts looking like inputs and outputs, challenges and rewards.
    Spencer Kornhaber, The Atlantic, 25 Apr. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Sensible.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sensible. Accessed 13 May. 2025.

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