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 With rain falling, the disk of the sun was barely perceptible and then, suddenly, the lights went out. — ABC News, 12 Aug. 2026 Much of this glazing has been retrofitted with an ultraviolet dot pattern that’s hardly perceptible to us but lifesaving for birds. — Edward Keegan, Chicago Tribune, 28 June 2026 Many of today’s most prominent artists are focused on rendering vast, abstract, and often invisible systems perceptible—often by scaling them down to something more sensible while still gesturing toward their magnitude. — Emily Watlington, ARTnews.com, 24 May 2026 These measurements vary systematically from person to person — in skull base angle, maxillary depth and pharyngeal cavity volume — and that even small structural differences produce perceptible shifts in the formant signature a voice carries. — Scott Travers, Forbes.com, 21 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for perceptible
Recent Examples of Synonyms for perceptible
Adjective
  • Along parts of the coast, relentless rain and early snowmelt made the sea barely distinguishable from the land.
    — Patt Morrison, Los Angeles Times, 17 Sep. 2026
  • Oriahi has a solid handle on all craft aspects, though only the costumes by Yolanda Okereke are particularly distinguishable — her color stories popping in almost every scene.
    — Murtada Elfadl, Variety, 16 Sep. 2026
Adjective
  • Their comings and goings were audible in the kitchen, amplified by the metal pipe.
    — Elvira Navarro, Harpers Magazine, 22 Sep. 2026
  • The Performance Evaluation and Expenditure Review Subcommittee of the Arkansas Legislative Council advanced the request in a voice vote with no audible dissent.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 16 Sep. 2026
Adjective
  • From a high-rise balcony, the sound would be hardly noticeable, Kasdin said, citing the expert’s findings.
    — Miami Herald, Miami Herald, 25 Sep. 2026
  • The weather could start to change for the region as early as Sunday, but the hurricanes’ effects are most likely to be noticeable Monday and Tuesday.
    — Jack Dolan, Los Angeles Times, 25 Sep. 2026
Adjective
  • The shape of a Project Runway episode was discernible here — conversations with the designers about their inspirations, an in-depth look at their design process, backstage time at the runway shows — but the execution was Temu level.
    — Roxana Hadadi, Vulture, 11 Sep. 2026
  • The skins cling like wet T-shirts to the filling beneath, with each plump bundle nearly bursting with big, discernible chunks of shrimp and ground pork.
    — Jenn Harris, Los Angeles Times, 10 Sep. 2026
Adjective
  • Tests of nuclear bombs, such as those conducted in Nevada during the Cold War, have long been known to cause small, detectable earthquakes.
    — Katie Hunt, CNN Money, 17 Sep. 2026
  • None had identification or detectable microchips on them, officials said.
    — Mark Price, Charlotte Observer, 27 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • Across a blend of 64 different ensemble members, different runs of a weather model with slightly different initial conditions, only a minority brought appreciable rainfall to Southern California.
    — Sean Macaday, Sacbee.com, 1 Sep. 2026
  • 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

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Cite this Entry

“Perceptible.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/perceptible. Accessed 27 Sep. 2026.

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