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 Because far-off stars would be static over successive nights, nearer, moving objects would stand out against the backdrop — but, for an object as distant as Pluto, the motion would be barely perceptible. John Loeffler, Space.com, 18 Feb. 2025 By modernizing systems and processes where unnecessary friction exists, the healthcare industry can make improvements that have a perceptible impact on those delivering and receiving care. Amanda Eisel, Forbes, 14 Jan. 2025 Every time, the conversation is a little different; every time, my knowledge of a friend is deepened or complicated, even if that change is barely perceptible. Faith Hill, The Atlantic, 30 Jan. 2025 False positives aren’t a major concern, because the stimulation pulses are rarely perceptible to patients. Tim Denison, IEEE Spectrum, 27 Jan. 2015 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.
    STAR-TELEGRAM WEATHER BOT, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 26 Mar. 2025
  • The former benefits from useful features like Bosch ABS braking, GPS tracking, electronic bike lock, onboard audible alarm system, and over-the-air firmware updates to ensure the bike benefits from the latest developments.
    New Atlas, New Atlas, 25 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • Use the dome light and flashers to make your vehicle more noticeable.
    CA Weather Bot, Sacramento Bee, 19 Mar. 2025
  • Meanwhile, ad commitments to streaming video hubs rose a noticeable 35.3%, hiking to $11.1 billion from $8.2 billion in the previous market.
    Brian Steinberg, Variety, 17 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • A lot of my clients are noticing that their libidos have taken a nosedive without any discernible reason at first glance.
    Myisha Battle, TIME, 20 Mar. 2025
  • They were sold a vision of progress, of silverware and elite facilities; while the final point is yet to be fulfilled, there is discernible evidence of the first two.
    Chris Waugh, The Athletic, 18 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • But such seizures at the border have not made an appreciable dent in American drug consumption.
    EDWARD ALDEN, Foreign Affairs, 6 Mar. 2025
  • But that’s not what’s happening here; Trump is seeking a full withdrawal and a halt to all payments, which will put an appreciable dent in the agency’s budget.
    New York Daily News Editorial Board, New York Daily News, 25 Jan. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Perceptible.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/perceptible. Accessed 4 Apr. 2025.

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