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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 Getting Charity to take her place helps her skirt accountability for her actions in the last movie, but now there are several more murders pinned on Emily, which doesn’t sound like a sensible plan in the long run. Louis Peitzman, Vulture, 2 May 2025 Tonight: Be sensible and responsible. SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21) ★★ Small appliances might break down today or a minor breakage could occur – something will interrupt your home routine. Georgia Nicols, Denver Post, 24 Apr. 2025 Style the duo with a denim jacket and sensible sneakers for busy days on the go; or, turn it into the perfect brunch ‘fit with an open white button-down shirt and slingback heels. Emily Weaver, People.com, 24 Apr. 2025 Parker rushes out to tell McGee, who's seeing Gibbs’ old truck in his parking place instead of his own sensible dad car. Sara Netzley, EW.com, 29 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for sensible
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sensible
Adjective
  • As a result, that has been seen as the most logical landing spot all along.
    Troy Finnegan‎, MSNBC Newsweek, 14 May 2025
  • Returning samples of the Martian surface to Earth for study is the logical next step in these efforts.
    Bruce Jakosky, Space.com, 14 May 2025
Adjective
  • The Supreme Court sent the case back to the lower court to reconsider whether the shooting was reasonable under the lengthier timeframe that must be considered.
    Maureen Groppe, USA Today, 16 May 2025
  • This level needs to be reasonable and proportionate to the risk.
    Mark Littler, Forbes.com, 16 May 2025
Adjective
  • This process is vital for learning and memory and for being conscious and aware.
    David Oliver, USA Today, 16 May 2025
  • Just be aware of the potential for Moto AI to beam your data to the cloud.
    ArsTechnica, ArsTechnica, 15 May 2025
Adjective
  • If the sky becomes menacing and thunder becomes audible, seek out a safe place to seek shelter.
    CA Weather Bot, Sacbee.com, 14 May 2025
  • The audible release of the pressurized gas, followed by the burning, blinding, and gasping sensation.
    Benjamin Alva Polley, Rolling Stone, 10 May 2025
Adjective
  • What’s more, behavioral economics suggests that our deviations from rational, deliberate behavior has some predictable structure.
    Jens Ludwig, Time, 15 May 2025
  • The ban on water fluoridation by the Florida Legislature (SB 700) and the outspoken views of the state surgeon general are the antithesis of rational public health measures.
    Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 4 May 2025
Adjective
  • Most others are exploring their options on incentives and examining if this is the right path to take. Future of Work – new patterns, new challenges, new opportunities In some policy areas, like International Tax Reform, change has been driven by conscious political decisions.
    Amanda Tickel, Forbes.com, 19 May 2025
  • The boy was found alert and conscious, officials said, according to local ABC affiliate WJLA.
    Muri Assunção, New York Daily News, 16 May 2025
Adjective
  • The tactile feedback guides your finger, and there was no appreciable lag in our sessions.
    ArsTechnica, ArsTechnica, 18 Apr. 2025
  • And here everything does ripen, an eventuality that this movie charts with wry humor, appreciable regional sensitivity and many wheels of artisanal cheese.
    The New York Times, New York Times, 28 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • The way the series blended all these disparate elements into something not just coherent but transcendent was a stunning achievement.
    Kelly Lawler, USA Today, 8 May 2025
  • Any possible legislation is seemingly ages away, as if Congress ever does a coherent job of policing big tech in the first place.
    Paul Tassi, Forbes.com, 8 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Sensible.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sensible. Accessed 23 May. 2025.

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