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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 Going for someone such as Eberechi Eze (£7.5m) instead, and saving £1million of your budget, sounds boring but, quite frankly, is sensible. Abdul Rehman, New York Times, 12 Aug. 2025 So Bull does what any sensible, testicle-loving mutt would do. David Fear, Rolling Stone, 13 Aug. 2025 Leeds United & Burnley A Championship title, 100 points, sensible owners, Elland Road redevelopment plans and seven new signings worth around £75million ($101m) before the end of July. George Caulkin, New York Times, 13 Aug. 2025 Yet what starts as sensible due diligence becomes maniacal overpreparation. Melissa Sierra, Forbes.com, 12 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for sensible
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sensible
Adjective
  • There's a noticeable difference between similar comforters made with down and down alternatives.
    Louryn Strampe, Wired News, 22 Aug. 2025
  • The lines on the court illustrate the noticeable boundary differences.
    Merlisa Lawrence Corbett, Forbes.com, 22 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • Just as a logical gate in a regular computer changes bits from 0 to 1 to allow computation, quantum gates manipulate qubits.
    Ananya Palivela, Scientific American, 30 Aug. 2025
  • As well as being founder members of the Federation, their pointed ears and logical worldview have become synonymous with the franchise.
    Richard Edwards, Space.com, 29 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • Oddsmakers currently cast the Patriots as a likely non-playoff team, a reasonable assessment for a franchise coming off consecutive 4-13 seasons and four losing seasons in five years.
    Andrew Callahan, Boston Herald, 31 Aug. 2025
  • Despite all of its acclaim, including a Michelin Bib Gourmand award, the prices remain refreshingly reasonable—making the restaurant suitable for all occasions, from a celebratory meal o a casual brunch.
    Katie Chang, Forbes.com, 31 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • Lawyers for some of the children contested that their clients' guardians were all aware and in agreement with the plans to send the minors to Guatemala.
    Chiara Eisner, NPR, 31 Aug. 2025
  • But floaters also need to be aware of concerning E. coli levels in the water.
    Shannon Tyler, Idaho Statesman, 29 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • Similarly, product aesthetics create powerful first impressions that influence purchasing decisions through emotional connection rather than rational analysis.
    Roy Ward, Forbes.com, 21 Aug. 2025
  • To be clear: This is not how the United States—or any rational government, really—should be deciding on strategy.
    Philip Elliott, Time, 18 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • The organization said Luhn was conscious, but tired when he was found that morning, according to CNN.
    David Chiu, People.com, 22 Aug. 2025
  • Suleyman is concerned that a widespread belief that AI could be conscious will create a new set of ethical dilemmas.
    Beatrice Nolan, Fortune, 22 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • There isn’t an appreciable difference between the two.
    Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 26 July 2025
  • The Heat sees upside with Johnson, but there hasn’t been appreciable growth this summer.
    Miami Herald, Miami Herald, 14 July 2025
Adjective
  • Under the current system, in which benefits are based on a worker’s contributions, the only coherent way to raise the revenue needed to close the remaining gap would be by increasing the payroll tax.
    Ben Ritz, Forbes.com, 14 Aug. 2025
  • The world no longer presents itself in coherent phrases.
    Alaa Alqaisi August 13, Literary Hub, 13 Aug. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Sensible.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sensible. Accessed 4 Sep. 2025.

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