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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 above policies are just a first cut at state-level steps to protect workers in the coming years—a sensible place to begin, but not the entire roadmap. Michael Gfoeller and David H. Rundell, Newsweek, 16 Jan. 2025 City planning staff deemed the project a sensible use of the property, and the zoning commission unanimously endorsed Crescendo’s plans. Jaime Moore-Carrillo, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 15 Jan. 2025 This book provides indispensable background to any sensible discussion of how the Middle East will adapt to Israel’s war in Gaza and Lebanon and how the United States should adjust to new realities, as well. Foreign Affairs, 14 Jan. 2025 The outcome of this legislative effort augurs poorly for sensible solutions to the $3.2 billion budget deficit Pritzker and lawmakers face later this year. The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 10 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for sensible 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sensible
Adjective
  • In the absence of that, there may be a need for an arbiter, with Igbokwe and Berwick’s boss, Langley, as the logical choice.
    Peter White, Deadline, 24 Jan. 2025
  • The policy becomes logical when considering the incubation periods of STDs and how those timelines differ between illnesses.
    Zoey Lyttle, People.com, 24 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • But there are a handful of fitness tests that are possible to complete on your own (at home or the gym), which offer a reasonable proxy for VO₂ max, say Angadi and Stoner.
    Lauren Leffer, Popular Science, 16 Jan. 2025
  • The authors focused on identifying characters with sufficient screen time to learn enough about their childhoods to make a reasonable assessment based on the questionnaire.
    Ars Technica, Ars Technica, 16 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • The victim, now 25, wrote an impact statement ahead of Sartori’s sentencing: a two-page letter submitted to the court in October that does not specifically mention Fields but alludes to her family being aware of what happened.
    Cristóbal Reyes, Orlando Sentinel, 27 Jan. 2025
  • Syrians are aware of their existence, but their locations need to be pinpointed.
    Jay Nordlinger, National Review, 27 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • Philadelphia brought back Sirianni amid murmurs about his job status, and that conversation became more audible after the Eagles started the season 2-2.
    Rohan Nadkarni, NBC News, 23 Jan. 2025
  • Complaints about distraction are most audible from members of the knowledge class—journalists, artists, novelists, professors.
    Daniel Immerwahr, The New Yorker, 20 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • For purely political purposes, these movie lists oppose rational and aesthetic responses.
    Armond White, National Review, 17 Jan. 2025
  • The rational for locating in Belgium are to support Europe university teams as well as incubate talent and resources for progressing physical AI in Europe.
    Sabbir Rangwala, Forbes, 16 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • But there seems to be more of a conscious effort to slow down, and truly disconnect than ever before.
    Jeff Fromm, Forbes, 19 Jan. 2025
  • This vivacious transit — igniting your socially conscious 11th house of friendship, community affairs and future aspirations — invites you to make new connections and focus on your long-term goals.
    Valerie Mesa, People.com, 19 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • By three to six months, most patients can see appreciable volume gains.
    Jolene Edgar, Allure, 9 Jan. 2025
  • 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
Adjective
  • Wave functions remain coherent, transitions between states are smooth and computational systems operate at peak efficiency.
    Eric Solis, Forbes, 22 Jan. 2025
  • And unlike the Metrorail projects, where the station, apartments, shops and other amenities are clustered closely together on compact former parking lots to form tightly coherent urban districts, Upland Park would be spread out over two far larger, separate and disconnected properties.
    Andres Viglucci, Miami Herald, 22 Jan. 2025

Thesaurus Entries Near sensible

Cite this Entry

“Sensible.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sensible. Accessed 31 Jan. 2025.

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