Definition of sensiblenext
1
2
3
4

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 City, in other words, already seem to be making plans, like any sensible club would, for Guardiola’s potential departure. Daniel Taylor, New York Times, 5 Jan. 2026 Hadid wore a vintage brown coat with furry cuffs and a matching cozy lining—so far, so sensible. Anna Cafolla, Vogue, 2 Jan. 2026 However, the market is made up of both sensible and irrational participants, and all of that action, both the logical and illogical, is going to be reflected in the stock chart. Zev Fima, CNBC, 30 Dec. 2025 Nevertheless, a partner or friend might remind you to be sensible. Georgia Nicols, Denver Post, 30 Dec. 2025 See All Example Sentences for sensible
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sensible
Adjective
  • Harbaugh seemed like a logical candidate, but Miami’s hiring of Jon-Eric Sullivan as general manager — and not longtime Harbaugh colleague Chad Alexander — makes that fit less obvious.
    Peter Sblendorio, New York Daily News, 10 Jan. 2026
  • Because those employees are in turn often availing themselves of Medi-Cal, Elhawary said, lawmakers see a logical path to taxing their employers in order to support the healthcare system at large.
    Nicole Nixon, Sacbee.com, 8 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • That said, reasonable preparation can help even those familiar with international payment systems avoid high fees, long waits and general confusion.
    Jason Phillips, Kansas City Star, 6 Jan. 2026
  • That’s understandable and reasonable, and fans have every right to express their fandom through frustration when teams don’t live up to expectations.
    Paul Dehner Jr, New York Times, 6 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • The tint is sheer and subtle but makes a noticeable difference in evening out skin tone and camouflaging discoloration.
    Tamim Alnuweiri, InStyle, 10 Jan. 2026
  • While Reconcept recommends sessions of at least 30 minutes, shorter experiences can still produce noticeable effects.
    Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 9 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • Jerry is 83 years old, and well aware of his play clock.
    Fort Worth Star-Telegram, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 8 Jan. 2026
  • Police said evidence suggested Salat was aware of the victim’s age and attempted to meet with the child in person.
    Rose Evans, Idaho Statesman, 7 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • The ledger is the foundation of reasoned conclusion.
    Big Think, Big Think, 5 Nov. 2025
  • The differences between any given Grokipedia and Wikipedia entry are in some sense hard to debate because there is no shared ground upon which to have a reasoned disagreement; to gravitate toward Grokipedia is to leave the world of evidence for that of belief.
    Matteo Wong, The Atlantic, 28 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • There seemed to be a rational acceptance of the outcome.
    James McNicholas, New York Times, 9 Nov. 2025
  • Therefore, the present work supports the belief that rational materials design at both the macro and atomic levels can solve long-standing challenges, according to a press release.
    Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 8 Nov. 2025
Adjective
  • Even the skin around the bean had a distinguishable bite, clinging to each chickpea rather than turning slippery or wispy.
    Sam Stone, Bon Appetit Magazine, 7 Jan. 2026
  • Whether a vibrating insert can deliver clear, distinguishable signals without blending into the background – or worse, become a distraction in itself – remains an open question.
    New Atlas, New Atlas, 4 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • In the end, these astrological narratives make 2026 a year of bold new beginnings and conscious leadership.
    Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 8 Jan. 2026
  • In a price-conscious consumer landscape, competitive discounts also captured attention in a significant way.
    Kate Nishimura, Sourcing Journal, 8 Jan. 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Sensible.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sensible. Accessed 12 Jan. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on sensible

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!