discernible

adjective

dis·​cern·​ible di-ˈsər-nə-bəl 

-ˈzər-

variants or less commonly discernable

: able to be perceived by a sense (such as sight or smell) or by the mind : capable of being discerned

a discernible difference

It is thought that the genes that normally produce a white underbelly in the gray squirrel are active in a wider area of their bodies, often leaving discernible gray patches on the spine and head.

—C. Claiborne Ray

Downpours are a near-daily occurrence throughout the year, and there are few discernible changes of season. Sunlight, warmth, and moisture are constants.

—Scott Wallace

discernibly

di-ˈsər-nə-blē 

-ˈzər-

adverb

or less commonly discernably

a discernibly better product

two materials that are not discernibly different

When a recipe says to brown the meat, it is calling for a deep brown sear and a discernibly thick crust on all sides …

—Cook's Illustrated

Synonyms of discernible

• distinguishable
• noticeable
• audible
• detectable
• perceptible

Examples of discernible in a Sentence

discernible differences in the two authors' writing styles

Recent Examples on the Web

Flying heat shield forward, the Orion will hit the top of the discernible atmosphere while moving at some 25,000 mph. —William Harwood, CBS News, 2 Apr. 2026

Trump cultivates an aura of unpredictability, but his actions betray certain patterns that are discernible to those who know where to look. —Jeffrey Sonnenfeld, Fortune, 26 Mar. 2026

Melodies remained discernible as far as Myeongdong. —Yook Jihun, Popular Science, 26 Mar. 2026

Unlike other groups designated as terrorist threats, Antifa is more of a set of tactics and a political philosophy than a discernible group. —Rachel Monroe, New Yorker, 26 Mar. 2026

Word History

Etymology

discernible borrowed from Late Latin discernibilis, from Latin discernere "to separate, divide off, distinguish, discern" + -ibilis -ible; discernable from discern + -able, after Late Latin discernibilis

First Known Use

1561, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for discernible

• discernable
• returnable
• indiscernible