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 That victory led, four years later, to the Coastal Act and creation of the Coastal Commission, whose job was to balance sensible development, habitat protection and conservation, and equitable public access. Steve Lopez, Los Angeles Times, 11 July 2026 Doctors need to know enough to have sensible, guiding conversations with their patients about dosage and consumption, among other things. Peter Grinspoon, STAT, 9 July 2026 Trump taking the country to war with Iran, in part at the urging of his pal Bibi — without any sensible plan, debate, sanction from Congress or consideration as to how this might hurt Americans already struggling to make ends meet. Maureen Dowd, Mercury News, 4 July 2026 For most adults who already tolerate coffee well, 1 to 4 cups a day appears to be a sensible range, based on this study and the broader evidence, Jirapinyo says. Emily Kay Votruba, EverydayHealth.com, 2 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for sensible
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sensible
Adjective
  • Gatewood agrees that Chessy was a logical addition from the Wonderland canon.
    Kimberly Nordyke, HollywoodReporter, 14 July 2026
  • Jeff Hettick, vice president of Agile Mission Systems at GA-ASI, said adapting those capabilities to maritime operations was a logical next step.
    Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 14 July 2026
Adjective
  • Judging by the latest Life, Larry and the Pursuit of Unhappiness, that seems a reasonable assumption.
    Greg Evans, Deadline, 18 July 2026
  • The political statements made in Nolan’s version are the same ones made in Homer’s poem, or at the very least a reasonable interpretation of the anti-war sentiments therein.
    Erik Kain, Forbes.com, 17 July 2026
Adjective
  • The security guards, who were employed by Akima Global Services, were distinguishable by the color of their shirts.
    Jonathan Blitzer, New Yorker, 13 July 2026
  • Keepseagle is distinguishable because that settlement involved funds paid to members of a class action.
    Tax Notes Staff, Forbes.com, 30 June 2026
Adjective
  • The public is already well aware of the feud between Prince William and Prince Harry, but new reports indicate that William is now at odds with his father, King Charles.
    Allison DeGrushe, StyleCaster, 19 July 2026
  • Takami is aware that even a little extra work can completely change the landscape.
    Hiroshige Yazawa Japan News, Arkansas Online, 19 July 2026
Adjective
  • None are credible challengers; Matt Conroy is the more reasoned and moderate of the three.
    The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 11 Feb. 2026
  • 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
Adjective
  • In an article for Marie Claire, Rapinoe trotted out several common left-wing talking points aimed at scaring rational-thinking people into believing that keeping males out of women's sports is somehow bad for girls and women.
    Dan Zaksheske OutKick, FOXNews.com, 14 July 2026
  • While shocking, the Australian Space Agency said there’s a completely rational, albeit cosmic, explanation.
    Drew Pittock, USA Today, 8 July 2026
Adjective
  • The propeller still makes an audible whir that gives the drone away even when the eye can't, and its support wires and rods remain partly visible.
    New Atlas, New Atlas, 17 July 2026
  • The result of that rapid expansion and collapse is thunder, the audible shockwave that comes from a lightning strike.
    Laura Kiniry, Popular Science, 16 July 2026
Adjective
  • For Bridges, the record represents a conscious effort to offer some light at a time when that can feel increasingly elusive.
    SPIN Staff, SPIN, 17 July 2026
  • The person who started that rumor is the present-day, extremely status-conscious Queen Dowager (Our Unwritten Seoul’s Jang Young-nam), who is furious at the idea her husband would make a lowly maid a concubine.
    Kayti Burt, Time, 17 July 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Sensible.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sensible. Accessed 21 Jul. 2026.

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