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 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 Tannins: As expected in rosé, there are no perceptible tannins here. Elise Taylor, Vogue, 6 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
  • But people in the control group didn’t have a noticeable change.
    Korin Miller, SELF, 23 Oct. 2025
  • To economists like Zandi, however, the country still remains at high risk of entering a downturn, with inflation, softness in the labor market and noticeable declines in consumer confidence weighing on their forecasts.
    Hugh Cameron, MSNBC Newsweek, 22 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • The set-piece prowess is still there, and accounts for nearly 37 per cent of their xG (the fifth-highest in the league), but there has been a discernible shift so far in the type of chances created from open play.
    Patrick Boyland, New York Times, 8 Oct. 2025
  • Black Rabbit name checks Coney Island and alludes to Vince and Jake having a working-class background of some sort, but doesn’t have anything discernible to say about New Yorkers or class in America.
    Andrew Bernard, The Washington Examiner, 3 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • The study, which was conducted by researchers in Spain and published in the journal Environmental Research, analyzed 43 pieces of clothing for infants, screening for all detectable chemicals.
    Jennifer Bringle, Sourcing Journal, 22 Oct. 2025
  • It is estimated that there are 500,000 detectable earthquakes in the world each year.
    CA Earthquake Bot, Sacbee.com, 22 Oct. 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

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Cite this Entry

“Perceptible.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/perceptible. Accessed 29 Oct. 2025.

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