Definition of appreciablenext

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 With the exceptions of Stowe and Radcliffe, few women writers receive any appreciable treatment in Fiedler’s book. — Becca Rothfeld, New Yorker, 1 June 2026 Other nearby States have enacted similar legislation, with no appreciable reduction in revenues. — Baltimore Sun Staff, Baltimore Sun, 20 May 2026 And there’s always a hexagonal feature at about 78 degrees north latitude, not seen to vary in any appreciable way, surrounding the system. — Big Think, 15 Apr. 2026 Such a mission would, by its very nature, carry an appreciable risk of the loss of American life. — Niall Stanage, The Hill, 31 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for appreciable
Recent Examples of Synonyms for appreciable
Adjective
  • Given medium, proportions, and form, from a distance Shift is barely distinguishable from the land.
    — Jeffrey Weiss, Artforum, 1 Oct. 2026
  • Along parts of the coast, relentless rain and early snowmelt made the sea barely distinguishable from the land.
    — Patt Morrison, Los Angeles Times, 17 Sep. 2026
Adjective
  • Beyond pantry doors and magnetic racks, three more swaps make a noticeable difference in a tight kitchen.
    — Lauren Jarvis-Gibson, Miami Herald, 1 Oct. 2026
  • Some of these changes are noticeable without any special technology, says Ibañez, including slower speech, longer pauses, a flatter emotional tone, trouble finding the right word, or vaguer, less specific language.
    — Tom Gavin, EverydayHealth.com, 1 Oct. 2026
Adjective
  • They’re matched by the audible intensity of the red-legged seriema, another challenger from South America.
    — Meghan Bartels, Washington Post, 1 Oct. 2026
  • Today’s show featured bold elements, with a vibrant palette of primary colors, panniers and padding that created the illusion of an enormous bottom, or exaggerated green fringing on Bermuda shorts that gave an audible swish as the models walked by.
    — Lucy Maguire, Vogue, 25 Sep. 2026
Adjective
  • The crab fit neatly into my pocket, a thin, light, barely discernible presence.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 28 Sep. 2026
  • The challenge here would seem to come down to avoiding any discernible pattern to develop—no small intellectual feat.
    — Artforum, Artforum, 28 Sep. 2026
Adjective
  • There’s also another, less perceptible way higher healthcare costs erode take-home pay.
    — Mia Osmonbekov, Fortune, 14 Sep. 2026
  • The quality of the coffee seems a bit underwhelming, and its bitterness drowns out much of the perceptible campfire-ness.
    — Jared Kaufman, Twin Cities, 1 Sep. 2026
Adjective
  • The formula also includes sesame oil to deeply hydrate, rejuvenate, and plump the skin, making fine lines and crow’s feet less detectable.
    — Olivia Cigliano, InStyle, 25 Sep. 2026
  • Tests of nuclear bombs, such as those conducted in Nevada during the Cold War, have long been known to cause small, detectable earthquakes.
    — Katie Hunt, CNN Money, 17 Sep. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Appreciable.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/appreciable. Accessed 5 Oct. 2026.

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