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 That perceptible swing—characterized by personality, warmth, and settled approachability—coincided with Amy Astley’s appointment as our head of editorial content. Katherine McLaughlin, Architectural Digest, 9 Sep. 2025 Burgeoning market Old Economy predicts a perceptible drop in existing nuclear projects and supply in the second half of the 2030s due to depletion. April Roach, CNBC, 9 Sep. 2025 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 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 noise of crunching history is audible from the other side of 7-foot construction fencing.
    Philip Elliott, Time, 23 Oct. 2025
  • If the sky becomes menacing and thunder becomes audible, seek out a safe place to seek shelter.
    CA Weather Bot, Sacbee.com, 22 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Bush Hager's most noticeable symptoms include mood swings and trouble sleeping.
    Alex Ross, PEOPLE, 30 Oct. 2025
  • Despite their absence from television, fans have observed that both Kassidy and Quen have been working on their physiques, showing noticeable changes.
    Andrew Ravens‎, MSNBC Newsweek, 30 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Some had translucent skin and no discernible bones.
    Brad Lendon, CNN Money, 4 Nov. 2025
  • The study looked at states excluding Montana, Texas, Utah, and Wyoming, where sale prices are not fully discernible.
    Jonathan Lansner, Oc Register, 24 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • It is estimated that there are 500,000 detectable earthquakes in the world each year.
    CA Earthquake Bot, Sacbee.com, 6 Nov. 2025
  • Galileo’s great realization, encapsulated in the principle of relativity, is that there would be no detectable difference at all.
    Big Think, Big Think, 5 Nov. 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 6 Nov. 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!