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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 Her sensible, non-dogmatic applications of spiritual insight are an illuminating delight. Justin Chang, New Yorker, 26 May 2025 The Democratic consultant based in Arizona said Hobbs has built a narrative that appeals to Arizona’s electorate by positioning herself as balanced, dependable and sensible. Samantha-Jo Roth, The Washington Examiner, 25 May 2025 Allowing workers who have been on strike for more than two weeks to access unemployment insurance is a sensible reform that would bring Connecticut in line with neighboring states. Ed Hawthorne, Hartford Courant, 25 May 2025 Therefore, the purchase of non-U.S. assets might simply indicate an opportunistic shift by global investors toward the sensible goal of diversification. Eswar Prasad, Foreign Affairs, 23 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for sensible
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sensible
Adjective
  • But there’s little logical argument for keeping him on.
    Michael Cox, New York Times, 7 June 2025
  • This is a logical form of thinking in the sense that AGI as an intellectual mechanism would be unable to compete in jobs that involve hands-on work.
    Lance Eliot, Forbes.com, 6 June 2025
Adjective
  • LPs expect distributions within a reasonable timeframe.
    Ilona Limonta-Volkova, Forbes.com, 8 June 2025
  • Florida's attorney general can collect civil penalties of up to $50,000 per violation, reasonable attorney fees, and court costs, while minors can also pursue up to $10,000 in damages.
    Chloe Albanesius, PC Magazine, 7 June 2025
Adjective
  • Hospitals and health care systems across the country should ensure primary care physicians are aware of these tests and understand how to use them.
    Jim Taylor, Chicago Tribune, 8 June 2025
  • Fatal attack The Pentagon is painfully aware of the threat.
    Tom Vanden Brook, USA Today, 8 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, 7 June 2025
  • The one time an overly enthusiastic audience made the show better this week was the audible gasp during Dakota Johnson’s interview on The Tonight Show.
    Bethy Squires, Vulture, 6 June 2025
Adjective
  • This may be a financially rational move, but also a negative signal to shareholders looking for leverage.
    Alexander S. Blume, Forbes.com, 10 June 2025
  • But the over-the-top operation in South Park generated a nationwide debate, not all of it rational, and a unified response of condemnation from San Diego Democratic leaders, including four members of the local congressional delegation.
    Michael Smolens, San Diego Union-Tribune, 6 June 2025
Adjective
  • And these attempts to defend history cannot take hold if the public remains conscious of what history actually is all about.
    Jeffery Vacante, Hartford Courant, 10 June 2025
  • His mom, Natalie Hernandez, said the project instills positive life lessons, and teaches kids to be environmentally conscious.
    Yvette Fernandez, NPR, 9 June 2025
Adjective
  • 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
  • The emphasis on outfitting is appreciable, in particular with matching sets such as a fluid-fitting viscose blouse paired with a wide-legged trouser, priced $79 for each piece.
    David Moin, Footwear News, 1 May 2025
Adjective
  • Create a coherent narrative showing your evolution.
    Jodie Cook, Forbes.com, 2 June 2025
  • Having those two positions secured gives the Patriots a chance to implement a coherent vision for the long term.
    Mike Sando, New York Times, 29 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Sensible.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sensible. Accessed 16 Jun. 2025.

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