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 That piece of hardware, combined with good tires, gives a Palisade XRT PRO driver an appreciable advantage in bad weather without adding much weight to the vehicle. Andrew P. Collins, The Drive, 12 Mar. 2026 No appreciable rain is expected through Sunday. Gary Robbins, San Diego Union-Tribune, 9 Mar. 2026 There was an appreciable difference in the flavor. Emily Elias, Bon Appetit Magazine, 18 Feb. 2026 The stellar core collapses, unleashing a truly staggering amount of energy that causes the star to explode; in an instant, several octillion tons of matter are flung outward at an appreciable fraction of the speed of light. Phil Plait, Scientific American, 22 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for appreciable
Recent Examples of Synonyms for appreciable
Adjective
  • This is a type of employment that, as Johnson lead counsel Paul McDonald has stressed, is legally distinguishable from professional employment and is structured differently (for example, student employment is exempt from FICA taxes).
    Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 20 May 2026
  • If atoms were distinguishable, looking at two atoms of the same type would be like looking at two cars of the same make and model, says Christian Sanner, a physicist at Colorado State University, who was not involved in the new paper.
    K. R. Callaway, Scientific American, 13 May 2026
Adjective
  • For families dealing with allergies, wildfire smoke, pets or newer homes with lingering chemical odors, upgrading to a real HEPA air purifier can make a noticeable difference.
    Ryan Brennan May 18, Charlotte Observer, 18 May 2026
  • Either way, the presence of the nutsedge has given a clear roadmap for corrective maintenance on an issue that often isn’t noticeable until root rot sets in.
    Anthony Reardon, Kansas City Star, 18 May 2026
Adjective
  • The agonies of the day were only intermittently audible in the music on offer in Witten.
    Alex Ross, New Yorker, 18 May 2026
  • In the final seconds of the first period, a restless Honda Center crowd that had been muted let out some audible boos.
    Eric Stephens, New York Times, 15 May 2026
Adjective
  • But there’s also a discernible strain of hope and timeliness amid the bleakness in some of the most recent hits.
    Cynthia Littleton, Variety, 20 May 2026
  • But his own career is less discernible.
    Chase Hunter, Mercury News, 18 May 2026
Adjective
  • That shift isn’t just perceptible—it’s been acknowledged by the women who helped build the Atlanta franchise.
    Shelby Stewart, Essence, 12 May 2026
  • This means that even in noisy environments, the signals remain clearly perceptible to the mics.
    New Atlas, New Atlas, 2 May 2026
Adjective
  • There was no detectable bitterness in his voice.
    Pierre LeBrun, New York Times, 21 May 2026
  • It is estimated that there are 500,000 detectable earthquakes in the world each year.
    CA Earthquake Bot, Sacbee.com, 20 May 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Appreciable.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/appreciable. Accessed 21 May. 2026.

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