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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 Commerce writer Julia Harrison notes that this cover set is sensible, durable, and highly comfortable. Jacorey Moon, Architectural Digest, 21 June 2025 That means pre-commitments are not sensible — neither to another interest rate reduction nor to keeping monetary policy steady. Jenni Reid,holly Ellyatt, CNBC, 16 June 2025 Jolly said such restrictions are sensible to most people. Anthony Man, Sun Sentinel, 16 June 2025 My students’ affront felt as sensible to me as expecting anatomy classes to flag each splay of flesh. Erin Khuê Ninh june 17, Literary Hub, 17 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for sensible
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sensible
Adjective
  • Rudy Gobert is a logical salary to go the other way to Phoenix in a Durant trade.
    Jace Frederick, Twin Cities, 18 June 2025
  • While nothing is set in stone yet, this weekend would be the most logical time.
    Jordan McPherson, Miami Herald, 18 June 2025
Adjective
  • Conrad is a 6-3 defenseman who can skate and has shown reasonable offense in the Q.
    Corey Pronman, New York Times, 20 June 2025
  • Recent verdicts have far exceeded historical benchmarks, and without reasonable limits, runaway jury awards threaten the city’s ability to fund essential services.
    Paul Vallas, Chicago Tribune, 20 June 2025
Adjective
  • At the time, the world was not aware of the impact of HIV.
    James Jackson, New York Times, 20 June 2025
  • The federal police document said Bolsonaro was both aware of the scheme and its main beneficiary.
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 20 June 2025
Adjective
  • If the sky becomes menacing and thunder becomes audible, seek out a safe place to seek shelter.
    NC Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 19 June 2025
  • In quietest, barely audible passages, the air in the hall had an electric sense of calm before the storm.
    Mark Swed, Los Angeles Times, 17 June 2025
Adjective
  • President Donald Trump’s court challenge failed during his first term because his administration did not provide the U.S. Supreme Court with a rational government basis for terminating the program.
    Darren Soto, The Orlando Sentinel, 22 June 2025
  • Confined to her bed, Isla is given to violent fits and delusional behavior, slipping in and out of rational consciousness.
    Damon Wise, Deadline, 18 June 2025
Adjective
  • Paloma Wool Originating in Barcelona, Paloma Wool specializes in conscious garments and accessories to be worn as an art form, where getting dressed is not just a necessity, but an expression of oneself.
    Kristina Rutkowski, Vogue, 24 June 2025
  • Much has been made about the conscious uncoupling of Devers and the Red Sox last Sunday.
    Gabrielle Starr, Boston Herald, 20 June 2025
Adjective
  • Caution should be taken if spending any appreciable amount of time outside, by staying hydrated with non-alcoholic beverages, taking frequent breaks and seeking shade.
    Joe Edwards, MSNBC Newsweek, 24 June 2025
  • Trump’s tariffs, detentions take a toll on local tourism April 12, 2025 There was an appreciable drop in visitors to the United States from Europe in March, after the Trump administration introduced an aggressive crackdown on immigration.
    Erik Kirschbaum, Los Angeles Times, 17 May 2025
Adjective
  • Just this week, the alliance released its first ever Commercial Space Strategy, stressing three goals – leveraging commercial solutions, ensuring continuous access during peace, crisis or conflict and bolstering coherent relationships with the commercial sector.
    Ruxandra Iordache, CNBC, 27 June 2025
  • This keeps every post, pitch and DM coherent, letting a solo founder ship consistently instead of chasing shiny tactics every other week.
    Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 26 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Sensible.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sensible. Accessed 3 Jul. 2025.

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