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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 Federal agencies like the CDC, the FDA and the HHS have been gutted of the bright minds who would normally pour through the mountains of research and compile sensible medical recommendations for the public. Rafael Perez, Oc Register, 25 Sep. 2025 As the nation faced tragedies like school shootings, Kimmel was open and honest with how tragic the news was — and how frustrating that there seemed to be no attempts to enact sensible ways to stop gun violence. Michael Schneider, Variety, 24 Sep. 2025 The 31-year-old activist's murder shocked the nation, and it was condemned by sensible and compassionate people in and out of politics and across the political spectrum. ABC News, 21 Sep. 2025 And that will include sensible limits on which sports athletes can play in, but it should be done sport by sport, athlete by athlete. Jason Lemon, MSNBC Newsweek, 20 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for sensible
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sensible
Adjective
  • There was a noticeable gap between Ocean dropping his studio debut Channel Orange in 2012 and his 2016 album releases Endless and Blonde — and fans noticed.
    Sophie Dodd, PEOPLE, 2 Oct. 2025
  • The last two words, something Redick said the Lakers needed to be in after the team lost in five games to the Minnesota Timberwolves during last year’s playoffs, has been the most noticeable priority shift in the earliest days of training camp.
    Dan Woike, New York Times, 2 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Those seemingly chaotic kids are on their way to more obviously logical behavior soon.
    Celeste Kidd, The Conversation, 3 Oct. 2025
  • Things had crumbled enough that Sasaki emerged as a logical option.
    Fabian Ardaya, New York Times, 2 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Jones is signed for another five seasons at a $7 million cap hit that is only going to get more reasonable as the cap continues to rise.
    Harman Dayal, New York Times, 7 Oct. 2025
  • So, spending your free time on a massive project for your crush seems perfectly reasonable.
    Andrea Wurzburger, PEOPLE, 5 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Context-aware engineering analysis Unlike tools that work with isolated information, the Design Agent maintains full context across your entire project.
    Atharva Gosavi, Interesting Engineering, 7 Oct. 2025
  • Analysts are aware that overly bullish expectations may fall flat—even JPMorgan Chase CEO Jamie Dimon has warned some parts of the current investment cycle will ultimately prove to be in a bubble.
    Eleanor Pringle, Fortune, 7 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • The structure of Pittsburgh’s tax, which involves applying a different rate to nonresidents, is distinguishable from many other such taxes, which typically apply the same rate to visiting players.
    Robert Raiola, Sportico.com, 27 Sep. 2025
  • The 300-second exposure shows the wandering solar system body as a minute dot, barely distinguishable among the stellar giants populating the distant starfield beyond.
    Anthony Wood, Space.com, 1 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Every argument has a rational, emotional, and rhetorical component.
    Louisa Thomas, New Yorker, 5 Oct. 2025
  • If the court concludes that conversion therapy is conduct, then the Colorado law is subject to the same standard used in Skrmetti – rational basis – and likely will survive.
    Timothy R. Holbrook, The Conversation, 2 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • The resulting formula is a gentle and effective cleanser with a host of benefits that have its eco-friendly suds making a splash within the beauty and environmentally-conscious household cleaning spaces alike.
    Patricia Shannon, Southern Living, 2 Oct. 2025
  • This hotel, which appeals to budget-conscious travelers with its free aquarium and mermaid show, offers free self-parking and valet parking.
    Michael Salerno, AZCentral.com, 2 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Chaos is sorted into appreciable story arcs without diluting its overwhelming effect on our heroes.
    Ben Travers, IndieWire, 24 Sep. 2025
  • There was not a ton of difference appreciable between the winless Fins and the Super Bowl-favorite Bills.
    Miami Herald, Miami Herald, 19 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Sensible.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sensible. Accessed 9 Oct. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on sensible

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