1
2
3
4

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
  • All of this could have been avoided with any number of reasonable, common-sense approaches to addressing homebuilding on a statewide basis.
    Kaitlyn Schallhorn, Orange County Register, 27 Jan. 2025
  • The moves alienated longtime shoppers who valued Kohl’s for its quality clothes at reasonable prices.
    Maria Sole Campinoti, CNN, 27 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • Syrians are aware of their existence, but their locations need to be pinpointed.
    Jay Nordlinger, National Review, 27 Jan. 2025
  • Local reports said Nakai had continued to appear on programs after execs were aware of the situation.
    Jesse Whittock, Deadline, 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
  • As brutal as the action looks on the surface, there is some rational trading taking place, even if some of the moves in individual stocks end up being overdone.
    Zev Fima, CNBC, 27 Jan. 2025
  • Our rational impulses are so automatic, and so strong, that we’re now faced with the problem of what to do with the irrational.
    Joshua Rothman, The New Yorker, 25 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • The driver was still conscious and capable of talking to the police earlier in the day, but the broadcaster later reported that rescuers could no longer communicate with him.
    Arata Yamamoto, NBC News, 28 Jan. 2025
  • Castro is deftly conscious of the complicated space that Selena occupied, weaving in a narrative of assimilation to multiple cultures.
    Esther Zuckerman, IndieWire, 27 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 5 Feb. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on sensible

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!