Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective appreciable contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of appreciable are palpable, perceptible, ponderable, sensible, and tangible. While all these words mean "apprehensible as real or existent," 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 appreciable?

In some situations, the words palpable and appreciable are roughly equivalent. However, palpable applies either to what has physical substance or to what is obvious and unmistakable.

the tension in the air was almost palpable

When could perceptible be used to replace appreciable?

While the synonyms perceptible and appreciable are close in meaning, perceptible applies to what can be discerned by the senses often to a minimal extent.

a perceptible difference in sound to a careful listener

Where would ponderable be a reasonable alternative to appreciable?

The words ponderable and appreciable are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, ponderable suggests having definitely measurable weight or importance.

exerted a ponderable influence on world events

When can sensible be used instead of appreciable?

The synonyms sensible and appreciable are sometimes interchangeable, but 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 appreciable?

Although the words tangible and appreciable 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 appreciable But such seizures at the border have not made an appreciable dent in American drug consumption. Edward Alden, Foreign Affairs, 6 Mar. 2025 But that’s not what’s happening here; Trump is seeking a full withdrawal and a halt to all payments, which will put an appreciable dent in the agency’s budget. New York Daily News Editorial Board, New York Daily News, 25 Jan. 2025 Numerous academic studies show that statistically, there’s not an appreciable increase in the rate of tears on airplanes compared to on the ground. Zach Wichter, USA TODAY, 4 Dec. 2024 By three to six months, most patients can see appreciable volume gains. Jolene Edgar, Allure, 9 Jan. 2025 See All Example Sentences for appreciable
Recent Examples of Synonyms for appreciable
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
  • 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
  • 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
  • That route, however, will lead to a perceptible increase in health insurance premiums for workers and families across the board.
    Tommy Tuberville, Newsweek, 6 Mar. 2025
  • Some economists disagree, arguing that the perceptible price increases that would result from ending the de minimis rule prompted Trump to keep it in place.
    Tobias Burns, The Hill, 10 Feb. 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Podcast

Cite this Entry

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

More from Merriam-Webster on appreciable

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!