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 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 However, the romantic narrative is punctuated by subtle moments of unease, each barely perceptible on its own but which, taken together, build into something rather more sinister. Stephanie Hirschmiller, Forbes, 6 Mar. 2025 Trump’s consolidation of power in his second term has been driven by a perceptible change of pace. Charlie Tyson, The New Yorker, 15 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for perceptible
Recent Examples of Synonyms for perceptible
Adjective
  • If the sky becomes menacing and thunder becomes audible, seek out a safe place to seek shelter.
    KANSAS CITY STAR WEATHER BOT, Kansas City Star, 17 Apr. 2025
  • This innovative technology, developed by teams at UC Berkeley and UC San Francisco, combines brain-computer interfaces (BCI) with advanced artificial intelligence to decode neural activity into audible speech.
    Kurt Knutsson, CyberGuy Report, FOXNews.com, 16 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Based on the study’s results, Tucker’s team believes that survivors of severe trauma may see noticeable changes in their biological systems’ baseline levels.
    Andrew Paul, Popular Science, 10 Apr. 2025
  • Often described as a cult favorite, it is formulated to deliver noticeable results while minimizing the risk of irritation.
    Corein Carter, Forbes.com, 9 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • As the years passed, there was no discernible rise in cancer deaths in the area around Fukushima.
    Elizabeth Kolbert, New Yorker, 7 Apr. 2025
  • Added to the chaos is the underlying rudimentary calculation of tariff levels that have produced wildly uneven and irrational effects on trading partners with no readily discernible policy value.
    Jerrold Lundquist, Forbes.com, 5 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Like all major art collections, Wong’s represents a bet, less in graffiti’s appreciable sales value than in its ability to make visible what was before an invisible segment of society.
    Max Lakin, New York Times, 10 Apr. 2025
  • But such seizures at the border have not made an appreciable dent in American drug consumption.
    EDWARD ALDEN, Foreign Affairs, 6 Mar. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Perceptible.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/perceptible. Accessed 24 Apr. 2025.

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