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 These initiatives truly made culture perceptible and traditions more vibrant. Footwear News, 24 Oct. 2025 The environment of transformation is inescapable, and small, perceptible shifts in our way of working happen almost immediately. Brené Brown, Fortune, 14 Oct. 2025 My sister looked up at me and ever so gently, with barely perceptible pressure, squeezed my hand. Gordon G. Chang, MSNBC Newsweek, 17 Sep. 2025 That perceptible swing—characterized by personality, warmth, and settled approachability—coincided with Amy Astley’s appointment as our head of editorial content. Katherine McLaughlin, Architectural Digest, 9 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for perceptible
Recent Examples of Synonyms for perceptible
Adjective
  • This hack saves you counter space while keeping ingredients distinguishable and accessible.
    Melissa Epifano, The Spruce, 26 Jan. 2026
  • Like a bay leaf in a savory sauce, the bass provides essential tone and depth, even if its flavor isn’t distinguishable at first.
    Sheila Regan, Twin Cities, 23 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • Rather than simply issuing audible or visual warnings, the car may adjust cabin lighting, seat position, climate control, or gradually come to a complete stop automatically.
    Peter Lyon, Forbes.com, 27 Jan. 2026
  • At the peak of the standoffs between protesters and federal officers on Saturday, airborne chemical irritants were discharged by officers and whistling and shouting were audible on live video from CBS Minnesota.
    Kiki Intarasuwan, CBS News, 25 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • That contrast is becoming more noticeable as their professional paths diverge.
    Stephanie Nolasco , Ashley Papa, FOXNews.com, 28 Jan. 2026
  • But there’s been a noticeable uptick in the team’s willingness to hit their blue-collar big man on rolls to the rim, which is opening an underutilized dimension of an offense that stagnated in the weeks leading up to their back-to-back wins over the Brooklyn Nets and Philadelphia 76ers.
    Kristian Winfield, New York Daily News, 27 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • No discernible bankruptcy risk.
    Trefis Team, Forbes.com, 26 Jan. 2026
  • On that day, the numbers drawn were 8, 10, 12, 14, 26, 51—a group of numbers without a discernible pattern.
    Manon Bischoff, Scientific American, 24 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • That hope, of direct experimental confirmation, is only possible if dark matter interacts with either itself or normal matter in a way that leaves a detectable signature.
    Big Think, Big Think, 29 Jan. 2026
  • It is estimated that there are 500,000 detectable earthquakes in the world each year.
    CA Earthquake Bot, Sacbee.com, 28 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • As the Universe expands and cools, the cross-section drops, and eventually, dark matter stops annihilating away or interacting with anything else in any appreciable way.
    Big Think, Big Think, 29 Jan. 2026
  • The stellar core collapses, unleashing a truly staggering amount of energy that causes the star to explode; in an instant, several octillion tons of matter are flung outward at an appreciable fraction of the speed of light.
    Phil Plait, Scientific American, 22 Jan. 2026

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Cite this Entry

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

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