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 That shift isn’t just perceptible—it’s been acknowledged by the women who helped build the Atlanta franchise. Shelby Stewart, Essence, 12 May 2026 This means that even in noisy environments, the signals remain clearly perceptible to the mics. New Atlas, 2 May 2026 Kerss explains that most of the colors in the northern lights aren’t perceptible to the human eye. Heather Greenwood Davis, Condé Nast Traveler, 27 Apr. 2026 An airport offers, if not exactly an equitable experience (there are Clear lines, lounge archipelagos), then at least a perceptible simulacrum of equality, in that everyone rides the same people movers past the same Cinnabons. Benjamin Wallace-Wells, New Yorker, 29 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for perceptible
Recent Examples of Synonyms for perceptible
Adjective
  • The next hurdle for lifestyle influencers will be to make content that’s both useful and, crucially, distinguishable from what AI can do.
    Rebecca Jennings, Vulture, 30 July 2026
  • Based on analyzing samples taken from hundreds of different mole rats, the team learned members of each colony carried a distinguishable chemical signature.
    Jacek Krywko, ArsTechnica, 21 July 2026
Adjective
  • JumpSmart also includes a compass, thermometer, reflector strip, and emergency audible alarm that is perfect for hiking, camping, and off-roading.
    ABC News, ABC News, 8 Aug. 2026
  • In a room of hundreds of people, there was hardly an audible reaction to an announcement that the AP had called the race.
    Ben Wheeler, Kansas City Star, 5 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • Some treatments made a noticeable difference; others raised more questions than answers.
    John Vorwald, Robb Report, 16 Aug. 2026
  • The Kickstarter file came out dimensionally accurate, with good overhangs out to 85 degrees, but the stringing was noticeable and prominent.
    Michael Lydick, PC Magazine, 15 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • The lobes fan straight out from the tree without any discernible stems.
    Katie Hill, Outdoor Life, 6 Aug. 2026
  • Between color and contrast, rest assured that visuals will be lifelike yet discernible (and you won’t get picked off by a bad agent hiding in the shadows).
    Kelsey Fogarty, PC Magazine, 4 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • Additional tests of air inside and out of classrooms and soil on campus have since found minimal or non-detectable levels of PCE, interim Associate Superintendent for Business Services Jeff Carter said.
    Sierra Lopez, Mercury News, 14 Aug. 2026
  • Individual choices look unremarkable, but across enough text, the pattern becomes detectable.
    Anisha Sircar, Forbes.com, 13 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • That’s appreciable, and propelling this Winter’s Tale’s legibility is a cast full of undeniably excellent actors.
    Sara Holdren, Vulture, 12 Aug. 2026
  • So for Perseverance, the wheels were redesigned, and there are no signs of appreciable wear and tear, Lee said.
    Eric Berger, ArsTechnica, 8 Aug. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Perceptible.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/perceptible. Accessed 17 Aug. 2026.

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