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 skin is not perceptible, as Jesse said. Bon Appétit, Bon Appetit Magazine, 4 Sep. 2025 With a barely perceptible lurch, the airboat hurdled the canal bank and seemed to hover above it. Nathaniel Rich, Harpers Magazine, 20 Aug. 2025 Tannins: As expected in rosé, there are no perceptible tannins here. Elise Taylor, Vogue, 6 Aug. 2025 This is especially perceptible in states where linguistic and cultural identities have long been a point of pride, such as Tamil Nadu. Yamini Aiyar, Foreign Affairs, 23 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for perceptible
Recent Examples of Synonyms for perceptible
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
  • 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
  • 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
  • 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
  • Chaos is sorted into appreciable story arcs without diluting its overwhelming effect on our heroes.
    Ben Travers, IndieWire, 24 Sep. 2025
  • There was not a ton of difference appreciable between the winless Fins and the Super Bowl-favorite Bills.
    Miami Herald, Miami Herald, 19 Sep. 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Podcast

Cite this Entry

“Perceptible.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/perceptible. Accessed 8 Oct. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on perceptible

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!