Definition of appreciablenext

Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective appreciable contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of appreciable are palpable, perceptible, ponderable, sensible, and tangible. While all these words mean "apprehensible as real or existent," 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 appreciable?

In some situations, the words palpable and appreciable are roughly equivalent. However, palpable applies either to what has physical substance or to what is obvious and unmistakable.

the tension in the air was almost palpable

When could perceptible be used to replace appreciable?

While the synonyms perceptible and appreciable are close in meaning, perceptible applies to what can be discerned by the senses often to a minimal extent.

a perceptible difference in sound to a careful listener

Where would ponderable be a reasonable alternative to appreciable?

The words ponderable and appreciable are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, ponderable suggests having definitely measurable weight or importance.

exerted a ponderable influence on world events

When can sensible be used instead of appreciable?

The synonyms sensible and appreciable are sometimes interchangeable, but sensible applies to whatever is clearly apprehended through the senses or impresses itself strongly on the mind.

an abrupt, sensible drop in temperature

When might tangible be a better fit than appreciable?

Although the words tangible and appreciable have much in common, 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 appreciable No appreciable rain is expected through Sunday. Gary Robbins, San Diego Union-Tribune, 9 Mar. 2026 There was an appreciable difference in the flavor. Emily Elias, Bon Appetit Magazine, 18 Feb. 2026 The stellar core collapses, unleashing a truly staggering amount of energy that causes the star to explode; in an instant, several octillion tons of matter are flung outward at an appreciable fraction of the speed of light. Phil Plait, Scientific American, 22 Jan. 2026 Book sales have experienced slow, stable growth in the last decade, with audiobooks the engine to drive any appreciable growth. Frank Racioppi, Forbes.com, 20 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for appreciable
Recent Examples of Synonyms for appreciable
Adjective
  • At the busy lobby bar, those attending the function are easily distinguishable by their tuxedos and ball gowns from hotel guests in their Saturday-night duds.
    Shane Harris, The Atlantic, 27 Apr. 2026
  • Up front, the gunshots were not immediately distinguishable in the cacophony.
    Calvin Woodward, Chicago Tribune, 26 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • The Moon moves through your 10th House of Visibility, where your structure is more noticeable.
    Tarot.com, Hartford Courant, 28 Apr. 2026
  • The combination of skilled care, more affordable pricing, and the appeal of travelling for treatment has shaped a noticeable trend.
    K.H. Koehler, USA Today, 28 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • If the sky becomes menacing and thunder becomes audible, seek out a safe place to seek shelter.
    KANSAS CITY STAR WEATHER BOT, Kansas City Star, 27 Apr. 2026
  • There's additionally a high-decibel emergency alarm that emits audible and visual alerts.
    Shirl Leigh April 23, New Atlas, 23 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • The painting, like other abstract works, tells no discernible story.
    Luis Parrales, The Atlantic, 28 Apr. 2026
  • Only in a few of the paintings is the mark clearly discernible as the crooked branch of a tree.
    Ben Davis, The New York Review of Books, 25 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • An airport offers, if not exactly an equitable experience (there are Clear lines, lounge archipelagos), then at least a perceptible simulacrum of equality, in that everyone rides the same people movers past the same Cinnabons.
    Benjamin Wallace-Wells, New Yorker, 29 Mar. 2026
  • Instead, there was a perceptible rise in militant attacks within Pakistan, accompanied by Kabul’s reluctance or inability to decisively act against Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan.
    Rabia Akhtar, The Conversation, 20 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • It is estimated that there are 500,000 detectable earthquakes in the world each year.
    CA Earthquake Bot, Sacbee.com, 29 Apr. 2026
  • All 20 patients who received the trial treatment no longer had any detectable myeloma cells in their body.
    Angus Chen, STAT, 20 Apr. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Appreciable.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/appreciable. Accessed 1 May. 2026.

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