imperceptible

adjective

im·​per·​cep·​ti·​ble ˌim-pər-ˈsep-tə-bəl 

: not perceptible by a sense or by the mind : extremely slight, gradual, or subtle

imperceptible differences

imperceptibly

ˌim-pər-ˈsep-tə-blē 

adverb

Synonyms

• invisible
• subtle
• indistinguishable

Examples of imperceptible in a Sentence

These changes will be imperceptible to most people.

a slight difference in hue between the two glasses that's imperceptible unless they're placed side by side

Recent Examples on the Web

As mentioned above, the crease is almost imperceptible now. —ArsTechnica, 31 July 2025

With these low-frequency tools, the spacecraft can filter out all the noisy energy and capture the almost imperceptible signals that hold the history of the early Universe. —Stephanie Edwards, Discover Magazine, 9 July 2025

Diddy also appeared to be oscillating ever so slightly in his chair; his back and head were moving with the almost imperceptible back-and-forth that comes with leg-tapping. —Victoria Bekiempis, Vulture, 9 June 2025

Unseen Sunscreen is true to its name, proving nearly imperceptible on skin. —Deanna Pai, Vogue, 22 May 2025

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Middle French, from Medieval Latin imperceptibilis, from Latin in- + Late Latin perceptibilis perceptible

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for imperceptible

• acceptable
• perceptible
• susceptible
• unacceptable

Kids Definition

imperceptible

adjective

im·​per·​cep·​ti·​ble ˌim-pər-ˈsep-tə-bəl 

1

: not noticeable : not perceptible by a sense or by the mind

one whose beauty was imperceptible to others

2

: hardly noticeable : very small or gradual

an imperceptible smile

imperceptibly

-blē 

adverb