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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 This is no time for your sensible hydration goals; this is a glorious excuse to celebrate. Ana Gutierrez, Austin American Statesman, 2 July 2025 The plot centers on the three Dashwood sisters—the eldest and most sensible, Elinor; the more free-spirited Marianne; and the much younger Margaret—who are devastated by the passing of their father. Radhika Seth, Vogue, 1 July 2025 Simultaneously, there’s an embrace of making sensible products with a certain classically masculine integrity (like Japanese selvedge denim in of-the-moment straight fits) that offer an enticing newness with a welcome dose of familiarity, a recipe for success in menswear. Rhonda Richford, Footwear News, 30 June 2025 But when tensions turn into military confrontation and global stability is at risk, backing Iran looks like a far less sensible investment to Beijing than preserving its own economic and diplomatic relations with the West. Leon Aron, The Atlantic, 29 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for sensible
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sensible
Adjective
  • The ribbed texture is noticeable, but not too thick, and the contouring on the back and front could not be more flattering.
    Katie Jackson, Travel + Leisure, 6 July 2025
  • The team issued an advisory noting that residents in nearby communities may see a noticeable increase in smoke July 5 coming from the southwest flank of the Oak Ridge Fire.
    Arlyssa D. Becenti, AZCentral.com, 5 July 2025
Adjective
  • Goldman: The Winnipeg Jets and Wild are logical picks here, although neither team really improved this summer.
    The Athletic NHL Staff, New York Times, 12 July 2025
  • There is no logical reason why you should not be entitled to retroactive benefit payments.
    Elliot Raphaelson, The Orlando Sentinel, 12 July 2025
Adjective
  • In criminal cases, prosecutors must prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
    Max Zahn, ABC News, 1 July 2025
  • Seeing penalty abatement for reasonable cause can also be time-consuming and expensive so preventing the misclassification is a better course of action.
    Priya Prakash Royal Esq. LL.M. MBA AEP TEP, Forbes.com, 1 July 2025
Adjective
  • Musk’s comment about Bannon returning to prison was made under a post showing Trump’s Truth Social post, indicating that the billionaire is aware of the threat but is choosing not to respond yet.
    Brady Knox, The Washington Examiner, 1 July 2025
  • Prince William’s charitable team was not aware of the Mondejar Foundation, nor of its attempts to solicit donations through an exclusive networking group called A Small World by offering access to the royal couple via the polo event.
    Janine Henni, People.com, 30 June 2025
Adjective
  • Eventually, this bargain approach is vindicated by returns as rational pricing returns to markets.
    James Berman, Forbes.com, 2 July 2025
  • No rational business is going to make long-term investments in American manufacturing based on such transient policies.
    Nicholas Creel, MSNBC Newsweek, 30 June 2025
Adjective
  • Baseball bats aren't the only thing Colt is good at picking up, and he could be considered environmentally conscious.
    Liliana Fannin, jsonline.com, 3 July 2025
  • But neighbors have raised concerns about whether the company will handle demolition in a safe and environmentally conscious way.
    Lily Carey, Chicago Tribune, 3 July 2025
Adjective
  • Past weather records show an appreciable shift in Kentucky’s rainfall patterns, bringing heavy precipitation in shorter, more intense bursts — and amplifying flood risk.
    Connor Giffin, The Courier-Journal, 2 July 2025
  • The latter's use of the pedal steel guitar adds an appreciable whiskey-woozy vibe to the waltz-time tempo.
    Bryan West, The Tennessean, 30 May 2025
Adjective
  • Additionally, the Saudi Gazette reported that the minister emphasized Riyadh is following a consistent and coherent approach that balances vision and transition implementation.
    Gaurav Sharma, Forbes.com, 9 July 2025
  • With more than 1 billion people now living with obesity, effective therapies available but out of reach for many, and no coherent or ethical way to prioritize care and limited resources, an objective clinical diagnosis of obesity was more urgent than ever.
    Francesco Rubino, Time, 9 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Sensible.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sensible. Accessed 17 Jul. 2025.

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