Definition of perceptiblenext

Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective perceptible contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of perceptible are appreciable, palpable, ponderable, sensible, and tangible. While all these words mean "apprehensible as real or existent," perceptible applies to what can be discerned by the senses often to a minimal extent.

a perceptible difference in sound to a careful listener

In what contexts can appreciable take the place of perceptible?

The words appreciable and perceptible are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, appreciable applies to what is distinctly discernible by the senses or definitely measurable.

an appreciable increase in income

When can palpable be used instead of perceptible?

While in some cases nearly identical to perceptible, palpable applies either to what has physical substance or to what is obvious and unmistakable.

the tension in the air was almost palpable

When is ponderable a more appropriate choice than perceptible?

The meanings of ponderable and perceptible largely overlap; however, ponderable suggests having definitely measurable weight or importance.

exerted a ponderable influence on world events

Where would sensible be a reasonable alternative to perceptible?

In some situations, the words sensible and perceptible are roughly equivalent. However, 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 perceptible?

Although the words tangible and perceptible 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 perceptible Nervousness is perceptible across multiple countries. Claudia Ciobanu, Arkansas Online, 1 Mar. 2026 This invisible infrastructural condition becomes further perceptible through sound. Anel Rakhimzhanova, Artforum, 1 Mar. 2026 Nervousness is perceptible across multiple countries. Claudia Ciobanu, Chicago Tribune, 28 Feb. 2026 The salt level was perfect for everyone, and many said the corn flavor was perceptible without being overwhelming. Kimberly Holland, Southern Living, 30 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for perceptible
Recent Examples of Synonyms for perceptible
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
  • 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 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
  • 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
  • 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
Adjective
  • What Steph Curry does on the court is more readily appreciable.
    Charles Bethea, New Yorker, 26 Apr. 2026
  • And there’s always a hexagonal feature at about 78 degrees north latitude, not seen to vary in any appreciable way, surrounding the system.
    Big Think, Big Think, 15 Apr. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Perceptible.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/perceptible. Accessed 2 May. 2026.

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