Definition of appreciablenext

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 Such a mission would, by its very nature, carry an appreciable risk of the loss of American life. Niall Stanage, The Hill, 31 Mar. 2026 Anyone familiar with data center regions like northern Virginia, eastern Oregon, and central Washington knows that such areas have seen appreciable improvements in roads, utilities, schools, government services, and population and economic growth. Dp Opinion, Denver Post, 28 Mar. 2026 That piece of hardware, combined with good tires, gives a Palisade XRT PRO driver an appreciable advantage in bad weather without adding much weight to the vehicle. Andrew P. Collins, The Drive, 12 Mar. 2026 No appreciable rain is expected through Sunday. Gary Robbins, San Diego Union-Tribune, 9 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for appreciable
Recent Examples of Synonyms for appreciable
Adjective
  • This is a type of employment that, as Johnson lead counsel Paul McDonald has stressed, is legally distinguishable from professional employment and is structured differently (for example, student employment is exempt from FICA taxes).
    Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 20 May 2026
  • If atoms were distinguishable, looking at two atoms of the same type would be like looking at two cars of the same make and model, says Christian Sanner, a physicist at Colorado State University, who was not involved in the new paper.
    K. R. Callaway, Scientific American, 13 May 2026
Adjective
  • This is particularly noticeable in the ballroom area, which hosts weekly wedding events, as well as other social and business functions.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 2 June 2026
  • But let’s get back to that extraordinary customizable dashboard, one of the most noticeable features.
    New Atlas, New Atlas, 2 June 2026
Adjective
  • No one is more audible than the victor in the loser’s building.
    Joel Lorenzi, New York Times, 31 May 2026
  • Snoring sits just below this threshold, the audible signature of an airway that is narrowed but not yet shut.
    Scott Travers, Forbes.com, 31 May 2026
Adjective
  • Whether taking on twisty roads, cruising around city streets, or ticking off miles on the highway, the Speedster exhibited no discernable cowl shake or flex.
    Peter Nelson, Robb Report, 27 May 2026
  • No discernible economic revolution followed Biden’s neo-Brandeisian program.
    Jonathan Chait, The Atlantic, 26 May 2026
Adjective
  • Many of today’s most prominent artists are focused on rendering vast, abstract, and often invisible systems perceptible—often by scaling them down to something more sensible while still gesturing toward their magnitude.
    Emily Watlington, ARTnews.com, 24 May 2026
  • That shift isn’t just perceptible—it’s been acknowledged by the women who helped build the Atlanta franchise.
    Shelby Stewart, Essence, 12 May 2026
Adjective
  • It is estimated that there are 500,000 detectable earthquakes in the world each year.
    CA Earthquake Bot, Sacbee.com, 27 May 2026
  • By mid-2025, the Natural Resources Defense Council found that 136 million Americans were being served by water systems with detectable forever chemicals.
    Ryan Brennan May 27, Kansas City Star, 27 May 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Podcast

Cite this Entry

“Appreciable.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/appreciable. Accessed 3 Jun. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on appreciable

Love words? Need even more definitions?

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

More from Merriam-Webster