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 Though oxygen is the by-product of making plant matter from CO2 through photosynthesis, to build oxygen up to appreciable levels, vast seas of this organic carbon have to be buried in the crust as fossil fuels. Peter Brannen, Big Think, 28 Aug. 2025 But scalpel-free options won’t always make a really appreciable difference. Kara Nesvig, Allure, 4 Aug. 2025 Past weather records show an appreciable shift in Kentucky’s rainfall patterns, bringing heavy precipitation in shorter, more intense bursts — and amplifying flood risk. Connor Giffin, The Courier-Journal, 2 July 2025 Robroek was one of only a handful who achieved appreciable and sustained reductions in disease severity, according to the 2016 paper. IEEE Spectrum, 26 Dec. 2022 See All Example Sentences for appreciable
Recent Examples of Synonyms for appreciable
Adjective
  • The structure of Pittsburgh’s tax, which involves applying a different rate to nonresidents, is distinguishable from many other such taxes, which typically apply the same rate to visiting players.
    Robert Raiola, Sportico.com, 27 Sep. 2025
  • 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
Adjective
  • There was a noticeable gap between Ocean dropping his studio debut Channel Orange in 2012 and his 2016 album releases Endless and Blonde — and fans noticed.
    Sophie Dodd, PEOPLE, 2 Oct. 2025
  • The last two words, something Redick said the Lakers needed to be in after the team lost in five games to the Minnesota Timberwolves during last year’s playoffs, has been the most noticeable priority shift in the earliest days of training camp.
    Dan Woike, New York Times, 2 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • The 5-foot-6 guard was barely audible.
    Ben Pickman, New York Times, 4 Oct. 2025
  • If the sky becomes menacing and thunder becomes audible, seek out a safe place to seek shelter.
    CA Weather Bot, Sacbee.com, 3 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Our latest podcast on the maddening world of West Ham United — an outfit with no discernible vision or direction — is a very good listen.
    Phil Hay, New York Times, 1 Oct. 2025
  • However, Do was not willing to share a resume with our editorial board and his LinkedIn profile mentions companies that have no discernible online presence.
    Mercury News Editorial, Mercury News, 26 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • It is estimated that there are 500,000 detectable earthquakes in the world each year.
    CA Earthquake Bot, Sacbee.com, 29 Sep. 2025
  • The hydrogen atoms in the exosphere generate a faint glow called the geocorona, which is only detectable in ultraviolet light at great distances.
    Kyle Orland, ArsTechnica, 24 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • The 5 Percent Wellness Philosophy Genuine wellness is rooted in perceptible, sustainable recovery — a process best nurtured through consistent, incremental change.
    Footwear News, Footwear News, 29 Sep. 2025
  • My sister looked up at me and ever so gently, with barely perceptible pressure, squeezed my hand.
    Gordon G. Chang, MSNBC Newsweek, 17 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Appreciable.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/appreciable. Accessed 6 Oct. 2025.

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