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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
  • This is a reasonable request and a fair expectation.
    Brian Mitchell, Forbes, 17 Dec. 2024
  • The two are linked: Disputes are much easier to solve when all parties have a reasonable prospect of prosperity.
    Arash Azizi, The Atlantic, 17 Dec. 2024
Adjective
  • Emergency officials are aware of the inspection and will be available to provide any assistance if necessary, the release states.
    NWA Democrat-Gazette, arkansasonline.com, 16 Dec. 2024
  • According to data from Our World in Data, people who are aware of the significant progress humanity has made over the last century are significantly more likely to believe that the future would be better.
    Talia Milgrom-Elcott, Forbes, 16 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
  • Those feelings can flood your brain, overtake some of your rational decision-making ability, and lead you to shy away from asking difficult or direct questions.
    Michelle Greenberg-Kobrin, Contributor, CNBC, 18 Dec. 2024
  • Striking this balance between rational responsibility and intrepid innovation will ensure trust and fairness while fostering breakthroughs that define market leaders.
    Douglas B. Laney, Forbes, 17 Dec. 2024
Adjective
  • This time around, Meghan ditched the trailing over-skirt, the fussy updo, and the pointy shoes for a take that felt cooler and more modern—as well as commendably conscious.
    Kerry McDermott, Vogue, 20 Dec. 2024
  • To the conscious world, the former increasingly feels like the largest inconvenience of these examples, leaving many to question and critique its relevance—the first step in disrupting this dynamic.
    Akilah Sailers, Essence, 19 Dec. 2024
Adjective
  • While Leicester’s unwise approach aided Newcastle, there was also appreciable improvement in every aspect of the home side’s play.
    Chris Waugh, The Athletic, 16 Dec. 2024
  • 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
Adjective
  • During his time on the campaign trail, Biden struggled to reconcile this issue and tell a story of his climate accomplishments in a high profile, coherent nature while, as Sunrise noted.
    Alex J. Rouhandeh, Newsweek, 23 Dec. 2024
  • Around the same time, the two major political parties began to become more ideologically coherent and started to move apart from each other, a process that has continued to this day.
    Geoffrey Skelley, ABC News, 19 Dec. 2024

Thesaurus Entries Near sensible

Cite this Entry

“Sensible.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sensible. Accessed 27 Dec. 2024.

More from Merriam-Webster on sensible

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