Definition of perceptiblenext

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 These initiatives truly made culture perceptible and traditions more vibrant. Footwear News, 24 Oct. 2025 The environment of transformation is inescapable, and small, perceptible shifts in our way of working happen almost immediately. Brené Brown, Fortune, 14 Oct. 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 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 See All Example Sentences for perceptible
Recent Examples of Synonyms for perceptible
Adjective
  • Even the skin around the bean had a distinguishable bite, clinging to each chickpea rather than turning slippery or wispy.
    Sam Stone, Bon Appetit Magazine, 7 Jan. 2026
  • Whether a vibrating insert can deliver clear, distinguishable signals without blending into the background – or worse, become a distraction in itself – remains an open question.
    New Atlas, New Atlas, 4 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • If the sky becomes menacing and thunder becomes audible, seek out a safe place to seek shelter.
    NC Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 10 Nov. 2025
  • De Niro said, met by audible gasps.
    Ryan Mancini, The Hill, 23 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • The tint is sheer and subtle but makes a noticeable difference in evening out skin tone and camouflaging discoloration.
    Tamim Alnuweiri, InStyle, 10 Jan. 2026
  • While Reconcept recommends sessions of at least 30 minutes, shorter experiences can still produce noticeable effects.
    Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 9 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • Cummings notes that there is a discernible shift nationally of younger adults leaving large metro areas for smaller- to medium-sized metro areas that are more affordable.
    Aldo Svaldi, Denver Post, 6 Jan. 2026
  • Going back to the 1950s, there is no discernible trend, with the first day finishing positive about 48% of the time, according to Bespoke Investment Group.
    Sean Conlon,Fred Imbert, CNBC, 2 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • It is estimated that there are 500,000 detectable earthquakes in the world each year.
    CA Earthquake Bot, Sacbee.com, 9 Jan. 2026
  • The last detectable earthquake in Connecticut was recorded on May 19, 2025, near Essex Village, according to USGS.
    Bailey Allen, The Providence Journal, 8 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • If a relatively new company like Benda can dare to explore a proper hybrid engine setup (most likely with an appreciable retail price, too), nothing remains exclusive anymore.
    New Atlas, New Atlas, 29 Dec. 2025
  • On their own, some don’t have an appreciable effect on breast-cancer risk, but together research links them to higher risk.
    Alice Park, Time, 12 Dec. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Perceptible.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/perceptible. Accessed 11 Jan. 2026.

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