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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 From a security and privacy standpoint, there seem to be some sensible precautions built in. Zak Doffman, Forbes.com, 17 May 2025 May 14, 2025 With one out in the inning, and Kiké Hernández standing at second base after being bunted over by Miguel Rojas following his leadoff single, the Athletics made the sensible choice. Jack Harris, Los Angeles Times, 15 May 2025 This board applauds such sensible decision-making, which should be completely uncontroversial. The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 14 May 2025 With any luck these sensible changes will not be casualties of Trump’s high-risk omnibus strategy. Matt Fleming, Oc Register, 10 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for sensible
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sensible
Adjective
  • Even with Bailey singing her lovestruck heart out, Rob Marshall's redo doesn't make the same refreshing splash as the 1989 animated classic but gets points for trying with a more logical narrative.
    Brian Truitt, USA Today, 26 May 2025
  • Therefore, the logical starting point might be to first to prop this thing at least back up to respectability.
    Ira Winderman, Sun Sentinel, 24 May 2025
Adjective
  • Under coach Manolo González, Espanyol has just placed a reasonable 14th in La Liga.
    Henry Flynn, Forbes.com, 28 May 2025
  • International agreements require the owners of the patents on standardized technologies to allow others to use them—to license them to any interested party on fair, reasonable, and non-discriminatory (FRAND) terms.
    Zoltan Istvan, MSNBC Newsweek, 27 May 2025
Adjective
  • But he’s also gotta be aware of a lot of his tackles are gonna be below the knees.
    C. Isaiah Smalls II, Miami Herald, 27 May 2025
  • Goldenberg says in the future, rank-and-file attendees need to be aware of those signs — and act on them by alerting someone.
    Andrew Lapin, Sun Sentinel, 27 May 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 May 2025
  • Listen to plastic crunching inside birds Sable shearwater birds on Australia's Lord Howe Island are so full of plastic their bellies make an audible crunching sound when scientists touch them.
    Laura Paddison, CNN Money, 23 May 2025
Adjective
  • And, of course, doing all these things in the presence of clients just shows a complete lack of rational thought.
    Joe Cermele, Outdoor Life, 29 May 2025
  • This is a state where each person settles on a strategy that feels rational given everyone else’s, even if the group as a whole is stuck in mediocrity.
    Mark Travers, Forbes.com, 23 May 2025
Adjective
  • Alonso was conscious of this when speaking on Thursday in Spain.
    Luke Smith, New York Times, 31 May 2025
  • Yet their follow-up film, Bring Her Back, feels like a conscious swerve away from those roots.
    David Sims, The Atlantic, 30 May 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
  • That’s basically like taking pieces from five different jigsaw puzzles and figuring out a way to put them together in some coherent order.
    Tony Sachs, Forbes.com, 20 May 2025
  • The administration still has time to settle on a coherent strategy, but the window of opportunity is closing.
    Oriana Skylar Mastro, Foreign Affairs, 20 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Sensible.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sensible. Accessed 3 Jun. 2025.

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