Definition of sensiblenext
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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

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Recent Examples of sensible Besides, Morgan claims that far from being an outdated gimmick, the ash frame is a sensible engineering choice that blends sustainability with performance. New Atlas, 27 Apr. 2026 She was dressed in slacks and sensible shoes and a coveted green apron. Saïd Sayrafiezadeh, New Yorker, 26 Apr. 2026 The Moon is in your sign dancing beautifully with Mercury, Mars and Saturn, encouraging you to make sensible, practical plans for the future, especially related to travel, publishing, medicine and the law. Georgia Nicols, Denver Post, 24 Apr. 2026 But the referee does get a say in their frequent appraisals, and by and large, a sensible balance is struck. Graham Scott, New York Times, 21 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for sensible
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sensible
Adjective
  • Berman and Kessler argue this is a logical and organic pivot for MMRs.
    Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 28 Apr. 2026
  • However, a resignation or even a leave of absence now looks like a logical outcome.
    Bobby Burack OutKick, FOXNews.com, 28 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • With a reasonable chance that both sides win all their remaining games, the size of each victory matters.
    Mark Carey, New York Times, 25 Apr. 2026
  • Although executors may be paid reasonable compensation—often up to 5% of the estate’s value—you aren’t required to accept the role.
    Nancy Ashburn, Encyclopedia Britannica, 24 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
  • Hitters, no doubt instructed by their teams and aware of this new shift, have been taking more pitches.
    Ian Miller OutKick, FOXNews.com, 29 Apr. 2026
  • Sure enough, Perez came to douse Witt, who also was aware of the postgame tradition.
    Pete Grathoff, Kansas City Star, 29 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • None are credible challengers; Matt Conroy is the more reasoned and moderate of the three.
    The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 11 Feb. 2026
  • This is a time for cool, calm and reasoned debate, and for legislators to think through the consequences of legislation put forth.
    Bobby Zirkin, Baltimore Sun, 15 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • Knowledge is not understood as the product of an objective and rational analysis of reality, but as the result of an intersubjective negotiation process.
    Florian Wintterlin, Encyclopedia Britannica, 23 Apr. 2026
  • No rational argument could convince them otherwise.
    Nataliya Gumenyuk, The Dial, 21 Apr. 2026
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
  • Welch has positioned these changes as necessary to combat potential changes to the Voting Rights Act, amid ongoing legal uncertainty over how courts will treat race-conscious redistricting.
    The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 24 Apr. 2026
  • The child, whose identity has not been disclosed, was reportedly conscious when responders arrived.
    Andrea Margolis, FOXNews.com, 24 Apr. 2026

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Cite this Entry

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

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