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 Nervousness is perceptible across multiple countries. Claudia Ciobanu, Arkansas Online, 1 Mar. 2026 This invisible infrastructural condition becomes further perceptible through sound. Anel Rakhimzhanova, Artforum, 1 Mar. 2026 Nervousness is perceptible across multiple countries. Claudia Ciobanu, Chicago Tribune, 28 Feb. 2026 The salt level was perfect for everyone, and many said the corn flavor was perceptible without being overwhelming. Kimberly Holland, Southern Living, 30 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for perceptible
Recent Examples of Synonyms for perceptible
Adjective
  • Second, the two sides must be readily distinguishable from each other, usually by applying color or markings to one side, although in rare cases they can be distinguished by shape, with one side being convex and the other being concave.
    ArsTechnica, ArsTechnica, 3 Apr. 2026
  • For Fall 2026, creative director Anthony Vaccarello showcased a series of single- and double-breasted black suits, distinguishable from one another by the slightest shade.
    Kevin Huynh, InStyle, 12 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • Many documents are not compatible with a screen reader, which is software that translates what's visually represented on a webpage into audible speech.
    Jonaki Mehta, NPR, 6 Apr. 2026
  • Aventura, for example, ruled e-bikes must be pedal-powered, with motors off, unless in a bicycle lane, and riders must give pedestrians an audible signal before passing while on an e-scooter or e-bike.
    Cindy Krischer Goodman, Sun Sentinel, 4 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • Nigel Hughes, who tracks housing markets across the country, says there has already been a noticeable shift.
    Brad Hamilton, CBS News, 8 Apr. 2026
  • But political observers say many Georgia taxpayers could see a noticeable reduction in taxes in the years ahead.
    David Wickert, AJC.com, 7 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • McCoy Moore was a modest 16-year-old Florida high school sophomore with no discernable musical talent — didn’t sing or write, couldn’t play a lick of guitar, and had no plans to do any of it — until his mom somehow got him inside Luke Combs’ tour bus.
    Ben Crandell, Sun Sentinel, 7 Apr. 2026
  • Flying heat shield forward, the Orion will hit the top of the discernible atmosphere while moving at some 25,000 mph.
    William Harwood, CBS News, 2 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • It is estimated that there are 500,000 detectable earthquakes in the world each year.
    CA Earthquake Bot, Sacbee.com, 9 Apr. 2026
  • Even with no other detectable galaxies around it, this galaxy — known as MCG+01–02–015 — displays enormous evidence of having merged with smaller galaxies over its cosmic history.
    Big Think, Big Think, 26 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • Such a mission would, by its very nature, carry an appreciable risk of the loss of American life.
    Niall Stanage, The Hill, 31 Mar. 2026
  • Anyone familiar with data center regions like northern Virginia, eastern Oregon, and central Washington knows that such areas have seen appreciable improvements in roads, utilities, schools, government services, and population and economic growth.
    DP Opinion, Denver Post, 28 Mar. 2026

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Cite this Entry

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

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