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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 National Association of Letter Carriers President Brian L. Renfroe cautioned that the USPS requires practical, sensible solutions rather than privatization efforts that could endanger the jobs of 640,000 postal workers. Mark Davis, Newsweek, 14 Mar. 2025 The Trump Administration would be wise to embrace this sensible, constructive policy change as part of its Make America Healthy Again agenda. Steve Forbes, Forbes, 11 Mar. 2025 Multiple sets are repurposed to serve as different locations — again, a financially sensible decision that also carries deep emotional resonance. Jim Hemphill, IndieWire, 12 Mar. 2025 The microphone jack is located on the rear, just behind the hot shoe, a good move as this is the most sensible place to mount a mic or wireless transceiver. PCMAG, 12 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for sensible
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sensible
Adjective
  • Those used in the past decade (Nike’s Ordem, Merlin and Flight models) have seemingly been easier to curl in a natural, logical manner.
    Michael Cox, New York Times, 27 Mar. 2025
  • The layout feels logical, a flow that suits family living, as well as guests who love to roam and explore.
    R. Daniel Foster, Forbes.com, 27 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • The plaintiffs’ argument broadens the scope of EPCA beyond reasonable bounds, District Judge Ronnie Abrams wrote in the court’s opinion.
    Akielly Hu, Wired News, 29 Mar. 2025
  • That would give it around 240 miles of range in the real world, which is reasonable.
    James Morris, Forbes.com, 29 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • Gong and his family members are aware of the filmmakers, even mention the filming, yet remain largely unselfconscious in front of the cameras.
    Murtada Elfadl, Variety, 29 Mar. 2025
  • Our brains are aware of inconsistencies in the imagery at a detailed level, even if the exact nature of these inconsistencies eludes our conscious perception.
    Rob Salkowitz, Forbes.com, 28 Mar. 2025
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
  • Even when the accusations are unfounded, even when the risks are small, the mere possibility of being a sucker can be psychologically potent enough to undermine a rational preference for cooperation.
    Tess Wilkinson-Ryan, TIME, 18 Mar. 2025
  • This all points to a more rational, less economically harmful climate policy, but, as always, there’s going to be litigation.
    The Editors, National Review, 17 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • The average airline passenger likely isn’t very conscious of an airline’s design, although many could probably pick out Spirit Airlines’ bright yellow planes, or the animal tails of Frontier, or the globe of United, or American’s eagle.
    Zach Wichter, USA TODAY, 19 Mar. 2025
  • Your subconscious mind processes thousands of data points your conscious mind doesn't register.
    Jodie Cook, Forbes, 7 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
Adjective
  • In a landscape where so many shows foreground reveals and plots, Adolescence centers an emotional reality, one that can’t be cut around or spliced to create something coherent or streamlined.
    Fran Hoepfner, Vulture, 18 Mar. 2025
  • Either the president has no coherent plans, or those plans are devious and not to be shared with the people.
    Llewellyn King, San Diego Union-Tribune, 17 Mar. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Sensible.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sensible. Accessed 1 Apr. 2025.

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