Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective appreciable contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of appreciable are palpable, perceptible, ponderable, sensible, and tangible. While all these words mean "apprehensible as real or existent," 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 appreciable?

In some situations, the words palpable and appreciable are roughly equivalent. However, palpable applies either to what has physical substance or to what is obvious and unmistakable.

the tension in the air was almost palpable

When could perceptible be used to replace appreciable?

While the synonyms perceptible and appreciable are close in meaning, perceptible applies to what can be discerned by the senses often to a minimal extent.

a perceptible difference in sound to a careful listener

Where would ponderable be a reasonable alternative to appreciable?

The words ponderable and appreciable are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, ponderable suggests having definitely measurable weight or importance.

exerted a ponderable influence on world events

When can sensible be used instead of appreciable?

The synonyms sensible and appreciable are sometimes interchangeable, but sensible applies to whatever is clearly apprehended through the senses or impresses itself strongly on the mind.

an abrupt, sensible drop in temperature

When might tangible be a better fit than appreciable?

Although the words tangible and appreciable have much in common, 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 appreciable There isn’t an appreciable difference between the two. Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 26 July 2025 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 Amazon’s Kindle Paperwhite for 2024 ($159.99) might look similar to its predecessor, but its slightly larger 7-inch display and appreciable performance increase make for a distinct update from previous generations. Sarah Lord, PC Magazine, 1 July 2025 Caution should be taken if spending any appreciable amount of time outside, by staying hydrated with non-alcoholic beverages, taking frequent breaks and seeking shade. Joe Edwards, MSNBC Newsweek, 24 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for appreciable
Recent Examples of Synonyms for appreciable
Adjective
  • The 300-second exposure shows the wandering solar system body as a minute dot, barely distinguishable among the stellar giants populating the distant starfield beyond.
    Anthony Wood, Space.com, 1 Sep. 2025
  • His distinguishable look, punctuated by a large black beard, became iconic.
    Nate Gartrell, Mercury News, 19 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • Why Local Marketing Is Gaining Ground Again In recent years, there’s been a noticeable shift in how small and midsized businesses (SMBs) approach marketing.
    Ashot Barseghyan, Forbes.com, 11 Sep. 2025
  • Particularly noticeable is Cavagnari’s eye for mixing midcentury modern furnishings, vintage lighting from Morocco, and older pieces that carry a story with them, such as a portable writing desk and a chair that folds into its own leather steamer trunk.
    Elizabeth Heath, Travel + Leisure, 10 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • If the sky becomes menacing and thunder becomes audible, seek out a safe place to seek shelter.
    CA Weather Bot, Sacbee.com, 7 Sep. 2025
  • Festival audiences responded with emotional intensity, including visible tears and audible gasps during the screening.
    Clayton Davis, Variety, 6 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • One discernible trend in the French stats was the concentration of sales among the biggest distributors, especially in the fiction category.
    Stewart Clarke, Deadline, 2 Sep. 2025
  • Though they were painted over once, and restored by an art conservationist, the diamond criss-cross pattern of Converse soles is still discernable.
    Sacbee.com, Sacbee.com, 30 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • It is estimated that there are 500,000 detectable earthquakes in the world each year.
    CA Earthquake Bot, Sacbee.com, 8 Sep. 2025
  • This mechanism explains why PAH emission is detectable at such vast distances from the galaxy, according to the statement.
    Sharmila Kuthunur, Space.com, 7 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • That perceptible swing—characterized by personality, warmth, and settled approachability—coincided with Amy Astley’s appointment as our head of editorial content.
    Katherine McLaughlin, Architectural Digest, 9 Sep. 2025
  • Burgeoning market Old Economy predicts a perceptible drop in existing nuclear projects and supply in the second half of the 2030s due to depletion.
    April Roach, CNBC, 9 Sep. 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Podcast

Cite this Entry

“Appreciable.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/appreciable. Accessed 13 Sep. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on appreciable

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!