Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective perceptible contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of perceptible are appreciable, palpable, ponderable, sensible, and tangible. While all these words mean "apprehensible as real or existent," perceptible applies to what can be discerned by the senses often to a minimal extent.

a perceptible difference in sound to a careful listener

In what contexts can appreciable take the place of perceptible?

The words appreciable and perceptible are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, appreciable applies to what is distinctly discernible by the senses or definitely measurable.

an appreciable increase in income

When can palpable be used instead of perceptible?

While in some cases nearly identical to perceptible, palpable applies either to what has physical substance or to what is obvious and unmistakable.

the tension in the air was almost palpable

When is ponderable a more appropriate choice than perceptible?

The meanings of ponderable and perceptible largely overlap; however, ponderable suggests having definitely measurable weight or importance.

exerted a ponderable influence on world events

Where would sensible be a reasonable alternative to perceptible?

In some situations, the words sensible and perceptible are roughly equivalent. However, 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 perceptible?

Although the words tangible and perceptible 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 perceptible The assault could well result in a perceptible slowing of progress in the fight against cancer. Rachana Pradhan, CNN Money, 8 July 2025 If nothing else, the [faintly] perceptible downturn in flight from the bundle suggests that an inviolate core of some 30 million to 35 million sports enthusiasts may remain locked into the bundle when the last of the general-interest crowd has ditched pay-TV for the sprawling glut of streaming. Anthony Crupi, Sportico.com, 20 June 2025 The caffeine buzz off a Gorgie drink is gentle but perceptible, and Cordeiro Grant found it through trial and error. Byallie Garfinkle, Fortune, 29 Apr. 2025 GlobalData’s monthly report on prospects for the Western Europe auto market pointed to stagnation in 2025 with a barely perceptible 0.5% gain to 11.5 million, after an unchanged 2024. Neil Winton, Forbes.com, 15 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for perceptible
Recent Examples of Synonyms for perceptible
Adjective
  • The audible gasp when a truly perfect look walks by.
    Karissa Mitchell, Essence, 17 Aug. 2025
  • If the sky becomes menacing and thunder becomes audible, seek out a safe place to seek shelter.
    NC Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 17 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • There's a noticeable difference between similar comforters made with down and down alternatives.
    Louryn Strampe, Wired News, 22 Aug. 2025
  • The lines on the court illustrate the noticeable boundary differences.
    Merlisa Lawrence Corbett, Forbes.com, 22 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • In this case, the far wall is discernible, if only barely.
    Eric Berger, ArsTechnica, 21 Aug. 2025
  • When high frame rate was used by the likes of Peter Jackson (The Hobbit Trilogy) and Ang Lee (Gemini Man) to make fast motion more discernible, many critics felt that the smoothness of the image looked unnatural.
    Benny Har-Even, Forbes.com, 7 July 2025
Adjective
  • There isn’t an appreciable difference between the two.
    Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 26 July 2025
  • The Heat sees upside with Johnson, but there hasn’t been appreciable growth this summer.
    Miami Herald, Miami Herald, 14 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Perceptible.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/perceptible. Accessed 1 Sep. 2025.

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