SENSIBLE Synonyms: 202 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

sensible

adjective

ˈsen(t)-sə-bəl

Definition of sensible

as in logical

based on sound reasoning or information a sensible decision to delay marriage until they knew one another better

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in reasonable

according to the rules of logic this is the only sensible conclusion

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in noticeable

able to be perceived by a sense or by the mind a sensible change in temperature

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in aware

having specified facts or feelings actively impressed on the mind sensible of the shift in attitude by the general public on the issue

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 After the premiere, Waterhouse slipped out of her red carpet heels and into sensible loafers before the journey to the afterparty. — Chris Murphy, Vanity Fair, 6 Sep. 2026 Sometimes, long after a sensible bedtime, the sun would break through the cloud for the first time that day. — Holden Frith, TheWeek, 4 Sep. 2026 But Jessica Chen Weiss sees it as an opportunity to forge a more sensible approach. — Jessica Chen Weiss, Foreign Affairs, 3 Sep. 2026 Small, sensible choices will carry us further than one dramatic leap. — Tarot.com, Baltimore Sun, 2 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for sensible

Recent Examples of Synonyms for sensible

Adjective

Morris contributed a logical note to sneaky goings-on, and Lupus made his silent bit seem credible.

— Ed Olmstead, HollywoodReporter, 17 Sep. 2026
These athletes, many of whom are 22 or 23 years old, have logical reasons to extend their collegiate sports careers into their mid-20s or beyond.

— Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 16 Sep. 2026

Definition of logical

Adjective

The defense acknowledged the affair but argued the state had built its case on a theory of motive and would be unable to prove its case beyond a reasonable doubt.

— Holly Yan, CNN Money, 18 Sep. 2026
Twenty-five states have called for a constitutional amendment to restore the ability of Congress and the states to set reasonable limits on money in elections.

— Chicago Tribune, Chicago Tribune, 18 Sep. 2026

Definition of reasonable

Adjective

Along parts of the coast, relentless rain and early snowmelt made the sea barely distinguishable from the land.

— Patt Morrison, Los Angeles Times, 17 Sep. 2026
Oriahi has a solid handle on all craft aspects, though only the costumes by Yolanda Okereke are particularly distinguishable — her color stories popping in almost every scene.

— Murtada Elfadl, Variety, 16 Sep. 2026

Definition of distinguishable

Adjective

In layman’s terms, critical thinking is the ability to think independently by questioning claims, weighing evidence, and making reasoned judgments.

— Ted Ladd, Forbes.com, 29 Aug. 2026
None are credible challengers; Matt Conroy is the more reasoned and moderate of the three.

— The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 11 Feb. 2026

Definition of reasoned

Adjective

The Performance Evaluation and Expenditure Review Subcommittee of the Arkansas Legislative Council advanced the request in a voice vote with no audible dissent.

— Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 16 Sep. 2026
Standing in the backyard of a house situated near a neighboring golf course, rider screams are certainly audible, and residents said the consistency of them is destroying their quality of life.

— Todd Martens, Los Angeles Times, 16 Sep. 2026

Definition of audible

Adjective

By putting the spa before the staterooms, this design flips the superyacht script from conspicuous consumption to conscious longevity.

— Chrissie McClatchie, Robb Report, 19 Sep. 2026
For years, Connecticut’s position atop the list of states with the priciest electric bills has served as an election-year mantra for Republicans and other critics of the state’s climate-conscious energy strategy.

— John Moritz, Hartford Courant, 18 Sep. 2026

Definition of conscious

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Style

“Sensible.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sensible. Accessed 20 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of sensible

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