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 For starters, there are a few practical things that ushered this shift: From the 1970s onward, Americans began to think of homes as appreciable investments. Zachary Crockett, thehustle.co, 13 Dec. 2024 While Leicester’s unwise approach aided Newcastle, there was also appreciable improvement in every aspect of the home side’s play. Chris Waugh, The Athletic, 16 Dec. 2024 Authoritarian leaders ignore judges and courts with impunity, and adding courts to democracies has no appreciable effect on their protection of civic freedoms or minority rights. Ian Shapiro, Foreign Affairs, 12 Feb. 2014 The system boasts an overall accident rate of 1 to 1.35 preventable accidents with either personal injury or appreciable property damage per million miles traveled, which Hardesty said is an exceptional record by any standard. Thomas Goodwin Smith, Baltimore Sun, 20 Nov. 2024 See All Example Sentences for appreciable
Recent Examples of Synonyms for appreciable
Adjective
  • Some of them, like the new experimental version of 2.5 Pro, are beginning to show noticeable vibe improvements.
    ArsTechnica, ArsTechnica, 1 Apr. 2025
  • Use the dome light and flashers to make your vehicle more noticeable.
    CA Weather Bot, Sacbee.com, 1 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • The member will deactivate audible and visual emergency warning equipment (emergency lights and sirens), resume a safe speed and comply with all traffic laws.
    Katie Moore, Kansas City Star, 7 Apr. 2025
  • If the sky becomes menacing and thunder becomes audible, seek out a safe place to seek shelter.
    NC Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 7 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Mostly, though, Death of a Unicorn just feels like exhausting, enforced fun: its plot goes everywhere all at once for no discernible reason.
    Stephanie Zacharek, Time, 28 Mar. 2025
  • But with that came a discernible shift in the firm’s culture, and in the balance of power between the corporate and litigation departments.
    Ruth Marcus, New Yorker, 27 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • This is because oxygen levels are not directly perceptible to the brain.
    Jenny Lehmann, Discover Magazine, 25 Mar. 2025
  • Structurally, Marcus Rashford’s arrival has caused the most perceptible shift, including the responsibilities of some team-mates.
    Mark Carey, The Athletic, 20 Mar. 2025

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Cite this Entry

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

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