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Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective sensible contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of sensible are appreciable, palpable, perceptible, ponderable, and tangible. While all these words mean "apprehensible as real or existent," sensible applies to whatever is clearly apprehended through the senses or impresses itself strongly on the mind.

an abrupt, sensible drop in temperature

In what contexts can appreciable take the place of sensible?

The words appreciable and sensible can be used in similar contexts, but 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 sensible?

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

the tension in the air was almost palpable

When might perceptible be a better fit than sensible?

The meanings of perceptible and sensible largely overlap; however, perceptible applies to what can be discerned by the senses often to a minimal extent.

a perceptible difference in sound to a careful listener

When could ponderable be used to replace sensible?

Although the words ponderable and sensible have much in common, ponderable suggests having definitely measurable weight or importance.

exerted a ponderable influence on world events

Where would tangible be a reasonable alternative to sensible?

The synonyms tangible and sensible are sometimes interchangeable, but 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 sensible The Trump administration’s new student visa policy is a sensible defense of economic freedom, democracy and human rights – here and around the world. Michelle Steel, Oc Register, 9 June 2025 An upside-down narrative emerged, in which New Zealanders were trapped in a mode of draconian deprivation while all sensible nations had opened up and moved on. Rachel Morris, New Yorker, 5 June 2025 Trump’s slash-and-burn approach to reform — on issues as varied as immigration enforcement to Medicaid to Veterans Affairs and COVID-19 shots, just for starters, will take a strong pushback just to land somewhere near the ever-elusive sensible center. Clarence Page, Chicago Tribune, 1 June 2025 That never was a sensible move for fiscal and other reasons. The Editorial Board, Oc Register, 3 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for sensible
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sensible
Adjective
  • While nothing is set in stone yet, this weekend would be the most logical time.
    Jordan McPherson, Miami Herald, 18 June 2025
  • Rudy Gobert is a logical salary to go the other way to Phoenix in a Durant trade.
    Jace Frederick, Twin Cities, 18 June 2025
Adjective
  • Recent verdicts have far exceeded historical benchmarks, and without reasonable limits, runaway jury awards threaten the city’s ability to fund essential services.
    Paul Vallas, Chicago Tribune, 20 June 2025
  • Conrad is a 6-3 defenseman who can skate and has shown reasonable offense in the Q.
    Corey Pronman, New York Times, 20 June 2025
Adjective
  • Having arrived from Mercedes in 2023, a team that had won nine Constructors' Championships, Vowles is aware of the mindset a winning team needs to have.
    Saajan Jogia, MSNBC Newsweek, 20 June 2025
  • At the time, the world was not aware of the impact of HIV.
    James Jackson, New York Times, 20 June 2025
Adjective
  • If the sky becomes menacing and thunder becomes audible, seek out a safe place to seek shelter.
    NC Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 19 June 2025
  • In quietest, barely audible passages, the air in the hall had an electric sense of calm before the storm.
    Mark Swed, Los Angeles Times, 17 June 2025
Adjective
  • This may be a financially rational move, but also a negative signal to shareholders looking for leverage.
    Alexander S. Blume, Forbes.com, 10 June 2025
  • But the over-the-top operation in South Park generated a nationwide debate, not all of it rational, and a unified response of condemnation from San Diego Democratic leaders, including four members of the local congressional delegation.
    Michael Smolens, San Diego Union-Tribune, 6 June 2025
Adjective
  • And these attempts to defend history cannot take hold if the public remains conscious of what history actually is all about.
    Jeffery Vacante, Hartford Courant, 10 June 2025
  • His mom, Natalie Hernandez, said the project instills positive life lessons, and teaches kids to be environmentally conscious.
    Yvette Fernandez, NPR, 9 June 2025
Adjective
  • Trump’s tariffs, detentions take a toll on local tourism April 12, 2025 There was an appreciable drop in visitors to the United States from Europe in March, after the Trump administration introduced an aggressive crackdown on immigration.
    Erik Kirschbaum, Los Angeles Times, 17 May 2025
  • The emphasis on outfitting is appreciable, in particular with matching sets such as a fluid-fitting viscose blouse paired with a wide-legged trouser, priced $79 for each piece.
    David Moin, Footwear News, 1 May 2025
Adjective
  • They are supposed to be taught how to think critically for themselves, how to be able to formulate a coherent and persuasive argument, and how to engage in meaningful conversations with individuals of differing viewpoints to sharpen their developing minds.
    Ron Morganstern, Sun Sentinel, 11 June 2025
  • Concentrate on good subjects and good basic camera performance, and telling a coherent story.
    Olivia B. Waxman, Time, 5 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Sensible.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sensible. Accessed 25 Jun. 2025.

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