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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 This is no time for your sensible hydration goals; this is a glorious excuse to celebrate. Ana Gutierrez, Austin American Statesman, 2 July 2025 The plot centers on the three Dashwood sisters—the eldest and most sensible, Elinor; the more free-spirited Marianne; and the much younger Margaret—who are devastated by the passing of their father. Radhika Seth, Vogue, 1 July 2025 Simultaneously, there’s an embrace of making sensible products with a certain classically masculine integrity (like Japanese selvedge denim in of-the-moment straight fits) that offer an enticing newness with a welcome dose of familiarity, a recipe for success in menswear. Rhonda Richford, Footwear News, 30 June 2025 But when tensions turn into military confrontation and global stability is at risk, backing Iran looks like a far less sensible investment to Beijing than preserving its own economic and diplomatic relations with the West. Leon Aron, The Atlantic, 29 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for sensible
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sensible
Adjective
  • Some people find that getting a tan makes their acne less noticeable, but these effects are temporary.
    Sherri Gordon, Health, 15 July 2025
  • While Skai did point out noticeable shedding in the front of her hair, her overall appearance looks healthy.
    Elizabeth Ayoola, Essence, 14 July 2025
Adjective
  • As a member of the Don Callis Family, winning the TNT Title is a logical next step.
    Alfred Konuwa, Forbes.com, 12 July 2025
  • Goldman: The Winnipeg Jets and Wild are logical picks here, although neither team really improved this summer.
    The Athletic NHL Staff, New York Times, 12 July 2025
Adjective
  • Isolated locations could face a reasonable worst-case scenario of five to seven inches or more, according to the weather service.
    Miami Herald, Miami Herald, 14 July 2025
  • There were a few reasonable opinion drafts, a couple of speeches with a Q&A transcribed, and one very excellent and complete essay on civil rights.
    Ezra Fox July 14, Literary Hub, 14 July 2025
Adjective
  • Be aware of any coyote behaving abnormally or exhibiting unusually bold behavior (e.g., approaching people for food, attacking leashed pets that are with their owners, stalking children, chasing joggers or bikers, etc.) and report these incidents to authorities immediately.
    Stephen Underwood, Hartford Courant, 14 July 2025
  • While there have been no major reports of injury or illness to date, Hartford Bakery is aware of one customer who experienced digestive discomfort after eating the bread.
    Chad Murphy, The Enquirer, 14 July 2025
Adjective
  • The regime’s more rational elements may eventually prevail and reduce tensions.
    Roya Hakakian, The Atlantic, 10 July 2025
  • A lot of court cases have been dealing with these cancellations as a group, highlighting the lack of scientific—or seemingly rational—input into the decisions to cut funding for entire categories of research.
    ArsTechnica, ArsTechnica, 9 July 2025
Adjective
  • The discovery triggered a kind of synaptic flooding, a wave of memory overwhelming its conscious embankment.
    Jessica Winter, New Yorker, 14 July 2025
  • Processing cheap rare earth is a nasty business using dangerous acid precursors that come with inherent risks, which bump up the prices of processing in the environmentally conscious West.
    Clem Chambers, Forbes.com, 14 July 2025
Adjective
  • The Heat sees upside with Johnson, but there hasn’t been appreciable growth this summer.
    Miami Herald, Miami Herald, 14 July 2025
  • Amazon’s Kindle Paperwhite for 2024 ($159.99) might look similar to its predecessor, but its slightly larger 7-inch display and appreciable performance increase make for a distinct update from previous generations.
    Sarah Lord, PC Magazine, 1 July 2025
Adjective
  • The master plan provides a coherent countywide path forward that can achieve economies of scale for managing our solid waste and better serve the health and well-being of our communities.
    Linda Thompson Gonzalez, Sun Sentinel, 20 July 2025
  • In short, as with many pressing questions related to tariff policy, there is no coherent and unbiased economic consensus.
    George Calhoun, Forbes.com, 17 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Sensible.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sensible. Accessed 25 Jul. 2025.

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