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
  • 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
  • The details of the plot are not particularly important or distinguishable from previous entries.
    Michael Ordoña, San Francisco Chronicle, 26 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • Over 200 witness reports were filed with the American Meteor Society after a daylight meteor caused a sonic boom that was audible throughout Ohio and Pennsylvania.
    Janet Loehrke, USA Today, 28 Mar. 2026
  • In early 2026, nearly 80% of large fireballs (those with 50+ reports) produced audible booms — an unusually high rate.
    Jamie Carter, Space.com, 27 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • Use the dome light and flashers to make your vehicle more noticeable.
    CA Weather Bot, Sacbee.com, 1 Apr. 2026
  • Add in limited ventilation and the fact that windows usually can’t be opened freely, and the effects can quickly become noticeable.
    Lydia Patrick, MSNBC Newsweek, 31 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • Unlike other groups designated as terrorist threats, Antifa is more of a set of tactics and a political philosophy than a discernible group.
    Rachel Monroe, New Yorker, 26 Mar. 2026
  • This was a dramatic turn after Starmer had sought a reputation as something of a Trump-whisperer — even if that went down badly with many Britons at home, failing to win discernible gains over the Ukraine war and Trump’s hostile pursuit of Greenland.
    Alexander Smith, NBC news, 25 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • 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
  • It is estimated that there are 500,000 detectable earthquakes in the world each year.
    CA Earthquake Bot, Sacbee.com, 26 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • That piece of hardware, combined with good tires, gives a Palisade XRT PRO driver an appreciable advantage in bad weather without adding much weight to the vehicle.
    Andrew P. Collins, The Drive, 12 Mar. 2026
  • No appreciable rain is expected through Sunday.
    Gary Robbins, San Diego Union-Tribune, 9 Mar. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Perceptible.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/perceptible. Accessed 1 Apr. 2026.

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