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 Silicon Valley and California, let’s embrace Matt Mahan and his sensible policies. Kevin Rector, Los Angeles Times, 29 Jan. 2026 Savvy therapists are leveraging AI in sensible and vital ways. Lance Eliot, Forbes.com, 27 Jan. 2026 Pleasant walks and easy hikes abound among its 945 acres, although wear sensible shoes and bring plenty of water. Marla Jo Fisher, Oc Register, 26 Jan. 2026 The state of Connecticut has gone to great lengths to encourage the staging of offshore wind development in cities like Bridgeport and New London, and this is a sensible strategy to try to make sure that offshore wind provides economic benefits to the state. Bridget Shirvell, Hartford Courant, 26 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for sensible
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sensible
Adjective
  • That doesn’t make sense to me as a logical move.
    Roxana Hadadi, Vulture, 4 Feb. 2026
  • The logical solution, now that most of the desirable free-agent hitters are off the board, is for the Pirates to sign McCutchen to another one-year deal, then make the joint announcement that this season will be his last.
    Ken Rosenthal, New York Times, 3 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • Under a reasonable definition of the SVOD market, Netflix’s market dominance is impossible to ignore.
    Hal Singer, Fortune, 7 Feb. 2026
  • Offer Choices, Within Limits Offering reasonable levels of freedom and allowing children to make choices is a great way to empower them, build confidence in their decision-making skills, and help build a sense of responsibility.
    Alanna Gallo, Parents, 7 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • The gusty and chilly winds will also be noticeable, especially on Thursday.
    Steven Sosna, CBS News, 10 Feb. 2026
  • Officials said the smell of gas was noticeable across multiple locations throughout the city.
    Elissa Jorgensen, Dallas Morning News, 10 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • The president of the United States is aware of the problem with Michael Whatley.
    Samantha-Jo Roth, The Washington Examiner, 4 Feb. 2026
  • Bloom has a reputation for being acutely aware of what looks good on her clients.
    Kati Chitrakorn, CNN Money, 4 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • 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
  • The ledger is the foundation of reasoned conclusion.
    Big Think, Big Think, 5 Nov. 2025
Adjective
  • Published in eScience, the research’s core innovation lies in the rational integration of photoactivity and electrocatalysis within a single air-electrode architecture.
    Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 6 Feb. 2026
  • Quitting seemed not just possible, but rational.
    Seth Abramovitch, HollywoodReporter, 5 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • The team recorded the neuron’s electrical activity to test whether the process could produce distinguishable signals.
    Matthew S Williams, Interesting Engineering, 5 Feb. 2026
  • Student employment is legally distinguishable from professional employment.
    Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 4 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • Officers located a gunshot victim, a man in his 30s, who was alert and conscious on the scene, Boisvert said.
    Justin Muszynski, Hartford Courant, 6 Feb. 2026
  • Convenience stores, called konbini, are often the first recommendation for budget-conscious travelers, and for good reason.
    Lauren Dana Ellman, Travel + Leisure, 6 Feb. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Sensible.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sensible. Accessed 11 Feb. 2026.

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