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 To be even more nitpicky, even via the PC, after pressing play there was always a tiny, but perceptible delay before the audio immenseein, which meant the first half-second of the first track faded in. Benny Har-Even, Forbes, 27 Nov. 2024 On Friday, wind gusts were 12 mph or less, with a nearly two-hour morning stretch of no perceptible winds, according to National Weather Service data. Dennis Romero, NBC News, 9 Nov. 2024 The barely perceptible changes in climate, demography, and geology; the gradual formation of religious and cultural practices; and the slow growth of trade networks or agricultural practices -- all of this, Braudel held, is the real stuff of human affairs. Robert Zaretsky, Foreign Affairs, 10 Feb. 2011 Spiders are also keen observers of the forest’s breath, barely perceptible air currents eddying through the trees, and place their webs strategically to intercept these drafts — and the insects that use them to boost their transit through the woods. Rick Borchelt, Baltimore Sun, 11 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for perceptible 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for perceptible
Adjective
  • Try this: Clap your hands loudly in the middle of your room and listen for the decay—the audible echoing of that clapping sound.
    Parker Hall, WIRED, 30 Jan. 2025
  • When pressed, the buttons make an audible clicking sound.
    PCMAG, PCMAG, 30 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • One of the first signs that a child may be ready include a noticeable level of maturity and responsibility, says Lyons.
    Sarah Scott, Parents, 31 Jan. 2025
  • The game featured players shoving — which led to ejections — coach's technical fouls and a noticeable clipboard-slapping moment from LSU coach Kim Mulkey.
    Chantz Martin, Fox News, 31 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • Fort Bend County District Attorney Brian Middleton, whose office is currently prosecuting two crosswalk death cases under the new statute, said a the circumstances of a crash can be easily discernible from an immediate but thorough investigation by police.
    Jay R. Jordan, Axios, 30 Jan. 2025
  • That detail is not immediately discernible to the naked eye, unlike the large, attention-catching disks the performers wear around their necks, and which Lauer also designed.
    Elisabeth Vincentelli, New York Times, 22 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • But that’s not what’s happening here; Trump is seeking a full withdrawal and a halt to all payments, which will put an appreciable dent in the agency’s budget.
    New York Daily News Editorial Board, New York Daily News, 25 Jan. 2025
  • Numerous academic studies show that statistically, there’s not an appreciable increase in the rate of tears on airplanes compared to on the ground.
    Zach Wichter, USA TODAY, 4 Dec. 2024

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Cite this Entry

“Perceptible.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/perceptible. Accessed 11 Feb. 2025.

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