Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective perceptible contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of perceptible are appreciable, palpable, ponderable, sensible, and tangible. While all these words mean "apprehensible as real or existent," perceptible applies to what can be discerned by the senses often to a minimal extent.

a perceptible difference in sound to a careful listener

In what contexts can appreciable take the place of perceptible?

The words appreciable and perceptible are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, appreciable applies to what is distinctly discernible by the senses or definitely measurable.

an appreciable increase in income

When can palpable be used instead of perceptible?

While in some cases nearly identical to perceptible, palpable applies either to what has physical substance or to what is obvious and unmistakable.

the tension in the air was almost palpable

When is ponderable a more appropriate choice than perceptible?

The meanings of ponderable and perceptible largely overlap; however, ponderable suggests having definitely measurable weight or importance.

exerted a ponderable influence on world events

Where would sensible be a reasonable alternative to perceptible?

In some situations, the words sensible and perceptible are roughly equivalent. However, 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 perceptible?

Although the words tangible and perceptible 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 perceptible With a barely perceptible lurch, the airboat hurdled the canal bank and seemed to hover above it. Nathaniel Rich, Harpers Magazine, 20 Aug. 2025 This is especially perceptible in states where linguistic and cultural identities have long been a point of pride, such as Tamil Nadu. Yamini Aiyar, Foreign Affairs, 23 July 2025 The result is a perceptible imbalance of power as the executive exerts greater authority while the legislative branch dims. Lisa Mascaro, Chicago Tribune, 19 July 2025 Roughly a quarter report receiving it during the sharking, and another quarter immediately after the quake became perceptible. ArsTechnica, 17 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for perceptible
Recent Examples of Synonyms for perceptible
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
  • 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
  • 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
  • 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
  • The Association management staff has grown substantially over the years with no appreciable increase in their duties.
    Steven Franck, San Diego Union-Tribune, 9 Sep. 2025
  • As this pressure persists over time, these cushions may become engorged and thereby develop into appreciable hemorrhoids.
    Cara Lynn Shultz, PEOPLE, 4 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

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

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