Definition of sensiblenext
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Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective sensible contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of sensible are appreciable, palpable, perceptible, ponderable, and tangible. While all these words mean "apprehensible as real or existent," sensible applies to whatever is clearly apprehended through the senses or impresses itself strongly on the mind.

an abrupt, sensible drop in temperature

In what contexts can appreciable take the place of sensible?

The words appreciable and sensible can be used in similar contexts, but appreciable applies to what is distinctly discernible by the senses or definitely measurable.

an appreciable increase in income

When is palpable a more appropriate choice than sensible?

While in some cases nearly identical to sensible, palpable applies either to what has physical substance or to what is obvious and unmistakable.

the tension in the air was almost palpable

When might perceptible be a better fit than sensible?

The meanings of perceptible and sensible largely overlap; however, perceptible applies to what can be discerned by the senses often to a minimal extent.

a perceptible difference in sound to a careful listener

When could ponderable be used to replace sensible?

Although the words ponderable and sensible have much in common, ponderable suggests having definitely measurable weight or importance.

exerted a ponderable influence on world events

Where would tangible be a reasonable alternative to sensible?

The synonyms tangible and sensible are sometimes interchangeable, but 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 sensible If Styles the performer in spangled jumpsuits and Styles the man in sensible trousers once felt like separate forces, Kiss All The Time. Daniel Rodgers, Vogue, 24 Jan. 2026 The Senate has come up with a plan (SB 318) that is a sensible prelude to getting the voucher program under control. Orlando Sentinel Editorial Board, The Orlando Sentinel, 23 Jan. 2026 This is not an EV meant to convince skeptics that electric vehicles are sensible. New Atlas, 23 Jan. 2026 The second interpretation purports to be more hardheaded and sensible, wiser and world-weary after so many years of watching Trump at work. Ross Douthat, Mercury News, 22 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for sensible
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sensible
Adjective
  • That focus on efficiency included a coldly logical approach to salary-cap management, and an update of the bruising defense that Belichick had pioneered with 49ers old rivals, the 1980s iteration of the New York Giants.
    Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 28 Jan. 2026
  • Trump has taken this tradition to its logical extreme by exempting from legal consequences his supporters and those following his instructions—seeming to assert his supremacy over not just federal but state laws, which exceeds even the wide powers conferred by the Constitution.
    Bernadette Meyler, Harpers Magazine, 27 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • Columbia Heights was as prepared for an immigration crackdown as could be reasonably expected of any community or school system—but there has been nothing reasonable about the ICE terror campaign.
    Jessica Winter, New Yorker, 31 Jan. 2026
  • Finding that type of player, for a reasonable price, is the difficult part.
    James McNicholas, New York Times, 31 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
  • Some managers with a large team will not be always aware of your daily workload and available capacity.
    Kate Wieczorek, Forbes.com, 29 Jan. 2026
  • For those who aren’t aware of the background, Bertone is a legendary Italian auto design house famous for cars like the beautiful Alfa GTV (1963–77) and the bedroom-poster favorite, the Lamborghini Countach of 1974.
    New Atlas, New Atlas, 28 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • This is a time for cool, calm and reasoned debate, and for legislators to think through the consequences of legislation put forth.
    Bobby Zirkin, Baltimore Sun, 15 Jan. 2026
  • The ledger is the foundation of reasoned conclusion.
    Big Think, Big Think, 5 Nov. 2025
Adjective
  • Anyone who has made an impulsive decision in a moment of intense emotion knows that feelings shape our choices just as much as rational thought.
    Jasna Hodžić, Big Think, 29 Jan. 2026
  • There was no rational administration.
    David Frum, The Atlantic, 28 Jan. 2026
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
  • Banfield said his wife, still conscious at the time, directed him to apply pressure to her wounds to slow the bleeding.
    Lauren del Valle, CNN Money, 30 Jan. 2026
  • Amanda Askell, Anthropic’s in-house philosopher, is sounding pretty conflicted about whether AI models can be conscious and have feelings.
    Frank Landymore, Futurism, 29 Jan. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Sensible.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sensible. Accessed 3 Feb. 2026.

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