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 Betty was the champion in 1950, 1956, 1957, 1958, and 1959—Betty Constable, pleasant, humorous, graceful, formal, practical, sensible bulldog. John McPhee, New Yorker, 20 Apr. 2026 On the cover of her second album, 2003’s Life for Rent, she is pictured wearing a sensible jacket to match her sensible long bob and her sensible-sounding music, smiling to herself like the model that comes with the picture frame. Shaad D’souza, Pitchfork, 19 Apr. 2026 None of this means AI has no sensible place in education. Catherine Thorbecke, Boston Herald, 18 Apr. 2026 Another major candidate is the sensible Buena Park Mayor Connor Traut. The Editorial Board, Oc Register, 16 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for sensible
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sensible
Adjective
  • The logical stop would be Torrey Pines in San Diego, which checks the West Coast and great weather boxes, but the venue is also looking for a new sponsor, as its deal with Farmers Insurance ended in 2026.
    Mark Harris, FOXNews.com, 21 Apr. 2026
  • Delane gains steam LSU cornerback Mansoor Delane, who visited the Dolphins last week and has repeatedly been linked to Miami at 11, would be a logical pick.
    Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 20 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • With a reasonable chance that both sides win all their remaining games, the size of each victory matters.
    Mark Carey, New York Times, 25 Apr. 2026
  • Although executors may be paid reasonable compensation—often up to 5% of the estate’s value—you aren’t required to accept the role.
    Nancy Ashburn, Encyclopedia Britannica, 24 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • Tips for a great visit Arriving early can make a noticeable difference.
    Taylor Haught, Kansas City Star, 21 Apr. 2026
  • Use the dome light and flashers to make your vehicle more noticeable.
    CA Weather Bot, Sacbee.com, 21 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • Many readers may not be aware of the services that end-of-life doulas can provide.
    R. Eric Thomas, Chicago Tribune, 22 Apr. 2026
  • Fuqua, as well as the film’s producers, were reportedly not made aware of the legally binding agreement until after filming wrapped.
    Amelia McDonell-Parry, Rolling Stone, 22 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • None are credible challengers; Matt Conroy is the more reasoned and moderate of the three.
    The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 11 Feb. 2026
  • 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
Adjective
  • Knowledge is not understood as the product of an objective and rational analysis of reality, but as the result of an intersubjective negotiation process.
    Florian Wintterlin, Encyclopedia Britannica, 23 Apr. 2026
  • No rational argument could convince them otherwise.
    Nataliya Gumenyuk, The Dial, 21 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • Second, the two sides must be readily distinguishable from each other, usually by applying color or markings to one side, although in rare cases they can be distinguished by shape, with one side being convex and the other being concave.
    ArsTechnica, ArsTechnica, 3 Apr. 2026
  • For Fall 2026, creative director Anthony Vaccarello showcased a series of single- and double-breasted black suits, distinguishable from one another by the slightest shade.
    Kevin Huynh, InStyle, 12 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • Welch has positioned these changes as necessary to combat potential changes to the Voting Rights Act, amid ongoing legal uncertainty over how courts will treat race-conscious redistricting.
    The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 24 Apr. 2026
  • The child, whose identity has not been disclosed, was reportedly conscious when responders arrived.
    Andrea Margolis, FOXNews.com, 24 Apr. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Sensible.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sensible. Accessed 27 Apr. 2026.

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