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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

Examples 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 His zeal seemed even stranger when juxtaposed with a sensible approach to my own infirmities. Kayla Aletha Welch, Longreads, 19 Nov. 2024 Coastal building setbacks are sensible policy measures that, in some states, codify protective buffers from rising seas. Emma Haydocy, Orlando Sentinel, 15 Nov. 2024 For a more budget-friendly option, this on-sale Contigo mug comes in close second with its sensible size, leak-proof top, and equally stylish look. Carin Ryan, Travel + Leisure, 2 Dec. 2024 These all seem like sensible policies given the current state of things. David G.w. Birch, Forbes, 30 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for sensible 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sensible
Adjective
  • Like so many other stars on the main roster, ranging from Cody Rhodes to Kevin Owens, The Bloodline has consistently targeted them in a way that makes their quest for revenge quite the logical one.
    Blake Oestriecher, Forbes, 14 Dec. 2024
  • To prevent yourself from imposing irrational penalties, set up house rules that outline logical consequences in advance.
    Leslie Garisto Pfaff, Parents, 12 Dec. 2024
Adjective
  • Give yourself 24 hours to complete and publish a project — or a similarly reasonable timetable depending on the size of the task.
    Amy Landino, Contributor, CNBC, 5 Dec. 2024
  • What about interacting via keyboard with generative AI? Mull that over and decide if that’s a reasonable act or an outrageously off-the-mark act.
    Lance Eliot, Forbes, 4 Dec. 2024
Adjective
  • Many men Cox has spoken with are aware of the ways some of their peers are faltering.
    Faith Hill, The Atlantic, 3 Dec. 2024
  • Individuals with disabilities are generally aware of the federal SSDI program, but many may not know that the TTW component offers professional resources to help achieve personal fulfillment through meaningful employment.
    Diane Winiarski, Forbes, 3 Dec. 2024
Adjective
  • The sudden appearance of Elsie, who bears more than a passing resemblance to the character of Gollum from The Lord of the Rings movies, causes Snell to let out an audible gasp.
    Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 12 Dec. 2024
  • This accessibility feature provides an audible narration of on-screen events that would otherwise not be discernible through dialog alone.
    PCMAG, PCMAG, 11 Dec. 2024
Adjective
  • In any rational universe, a player on the doorstep of 40 years old averaging 22.3 points, 7.9 rebounds and 9.0 assists per game would be celebrated no matter what.
    Rohan Nadkarni, NBC News, 5 Dec. 2024
  • If boys becoming men is different from boys trying to become women, then the Tennessee law draws a rational distinction.
    The Editors, National Review, 5 Dec. 2024
Adjective
  • Soft Goat Cashmere Soft Goat delivers on both conscious and affordable investment pieces with a plush feel.
    Cortne Bonilla, Vogue, 6 Dec. 2024
  • Anonymous Content is still seeking international expansion but is conscious of the state of the economy.
    Max Goldbart, Deadline, 3 Dec. 2024
Adjective
  • Authoritarian leaders ignore judges and courts with impunity, and adding courts to democracies has no appreciable effect on their protection of civic freedoms or minority rights.
    Ian Shapiro, Foreign Affairs, 12 Feb. 2014
  • The system boasts an overall accident rate of 1 to 1.35 preventable accidents with either personal injury or appreciable property damage per million miles traveled, which Hardesty said is an exceptional record by any standard.
    Thomas Goodwin Smith, Baltimore Sun, 20 Nov. 2024
Adjective
  • This approach should include: Unified Data Infrastructure: Providing coherent access to data across diverse locations without relying on outdated monolithic data lakes.
    Steve McDowell, Forbes, 10 Dec. 2024
  • The evaluation of Harris’s loss was also varied and pointed to issues like her inability to distance herself from Joe Biden or to articulate a coherent economic vision for the future.
    Mordechai Gordon, Hartford Courant, 12 Nov. 2024

Thesaurus Entries Near sensible

Cite this Entry

“Sensible.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sensible. Accessed 18 Dec. 2024.

More from Merriam-Webster on sensible

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