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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 The 31-year-old activist's murder shocked the nation, and it was condemned by sensible and compassionate people in and out of politics and across the political spectrum. ABC News, 21 Sep. 2025 And that will include sensible limits on which sports athletes can play in, but it should be done sport by sport, athlete by athlete. Jason Lemon, MSNBC Newsweek, 20 Sep. 2025 This is a risk because Cliff, of course, is already betrothed to the appealingly sensible Brittany. Peter Tonguette, The Washington Examiner, 19 Sep. 2025 Making allowances for sensible upgrades to the engine, the suspension, the brakes, and interior amenities can enhance practicality and enjoyment. Robert Ross, Robb Report, 19 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for sensible
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sensible
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
  • Fantasyland would be the most logical place for Harry to get a job as a ride operator.
    Brady MacDonald, Oc Register, 26 Sep. 2025
  • First, starting off with the shooting guard spot, Collin Sexton seems like the most logical candidate to slide into that role at the season’s outset.
    Roderick Boone, Charlotte Observer, 25 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • The commission tabled the item to provide more time for Experience Fayetteville staff to evaluate the worth of the property, the house's annual expenses, a reasonable market-rate rent range and the total cost of repairs to the property paid for by Experience Fayetteville.
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 30 Sep. 2025
  • The federal law requires employers to make reasonable accommodations for workers with disabilities unless doing so would cause undue hardship.
    Shambhavi Rimal, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 29 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Guardiola is aware of the threat posed by a team playing on the break.
    Jordan Campbell, New York Times, 24 Sep. 2025
  • Cisneros said investigators are aware of a video taken at the apartment complex that surfaced on social media and captured what sounded like 12 gunshots being rapidly fired.
    Bill Hutchinson, ABC News, 23 Sep. 2025
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
  • For Garner, footy is a bridge between the naturally martial instincts of men and the peace upon which rational civilization depends.
    Louisa Thomas, New Yorker, 28 Sep. 2025
  • This conception of the self animates rational choice theory in the social sciences, with its reliance on the model of the utility-maximizing subject.
    Sophia Rosenfeld September 26, Literary Hub, 26 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Core emotions originate in the subcortical part of the brain, not in areas under our conscious control.
    CNN Money, CNN Money, 25 Sep. 2025
  • Despite their closeness, Sulewski makes a conscious effort not to show Eilish on her channel.
    Grace Smith, PEOPLE, 25 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

“Sensible.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sensible. Accessed 30 Sep. 2025.

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