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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 Brother's INKvestment approach to printing offers sensible running costs for light use. PC Magazine, 17 Oct. 2025 The Leather Skirt A modern woman’s go-to, the leather skirt gives attitude in a sensible silhouette. Minty Mellon, Vogue, 17 Oct. 2025 Here's the reasons why investing in this model is the most sensible option of the season. Teresa Romero Martínez, Glamour, 11 Oct. 2025 Even sensible yet fashionable sneakers are on sale, with the New Balance T500 Tennis Sneakers making an unbeatable selection for $80. Merrell Readman, Travel + Leisure, 7 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for sensible
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sensible
Adjective
  • But people in the control group didn’t have a noticeable change.
    Korin Miller, SELF, 23 Oct. 2025
  • To economists like Zandi, however, the country still remains at high risk of entering a downturn, with inflation, softness in the labor market and noticeable declines in consumer confidence weighing on their forecasts.
    Hugh Cameron, MSNBC Newsweek, 22 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • In terms of strategics, the growing media and entertainment trend of integrating physical park assets into cross-platform media ecosystems makes the industry a logical candidate.
    Kenneth Squire, CNBC, 24 Oct. 2025
  • Bipolar disorder involves alternating episodes of depression and mania, a state where thoughts race, impulsive decisions feel logical, and sleep becomes almost optional.
    Essence, Essence, 23 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • The state alleged that Amazon doesn’t go far enough to find reasonable accommodations for employees upon request and fails to consider whether a different accommodation or work location would be a match for an employee who is pregnant or has a disability.
    Meghan Hall, Sourcing Journal, 27 Oct. 2025
  • Wisconsin law enforcement agencies may use a drone to gather evidence or other information in a criminal investigation from or at a place or location where an individual has a reasonable expectation of privacy if a search warrant is obtained.
    Anna Kleiber, jsonline.com, 27 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • This story retains a hold on people to a degree that most are likely scarcely aware of.
    Elizabeth D. Samet, Foreign Affairs, 29 Oct. 2025
  • But lucid dreaming involves metacognition, which is a type of cognitive control in which someone becomes aware of their own thoughts.
    Hannah Yasharoff, USA Today, 28 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
  • Some geomyths, recounted orally over generations, are based on eyewitness experiences, while other accounts are grounded in a keen awareness of local terrains, plus rational and imaginative ideas about the powerful forces of nature.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 22 Oct. 2025
  • Theorists could prove that this will not happen if bidders are rational.
    Emma Burleigh, Fortune, 21 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Deliberative democracy is the idea that decision-making and governance are arrived at through thoughtful, reasoned and respectful dialogue.
    Lee Bebout, The Conversation, 16 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Now, Stewart has made a conscious decision to go back to her natural color for fall 2025.
    Anna Cafolla, Vogue, 23 Oct. 2025
  • This is especially true with the sun entering Scorpio, and your socially conscious 11th house of associations, community and sense of belonging in the world.
    Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 22 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Sensible.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sensible. Accessed 29 Oct. 2025.

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