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 Following Joel’s departure, there’s been a perceptible vibe shift online; one further exasperated by the finale’s not one, but two, cliffhangers that leave Ellie’s fate in doubt for those who haven’t already played the game. Christopher Cruz, Rolling Stone, 27 May 2025 Recent economic data do not indicate price spikes nor a perceptible slowdown in economic activity. Jeff Cox, CNBC, 10 May 2025 Indeed, there have been 50 recessions in American history, dating back to the Articles of Confederation, some mild to the point of being hardly perceptible, some devastating like the Great Recession of 2008-09 and the Covid Recession of 2020. Eli Amdur, Forbes.com, 10 May 2025 These barely perceptible shifts — caused by moving water, tectonic activity or shifting rock — offer clues about what lies beneath the planet's surface. Victoria Corless, Space.com, 17 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for perceptible
Recent Examples of Synonyms for perceptible
Adjective
  • If the sky becomes menacing and thunder becomes audible, seek out a safe place to seek shelter.
    NC Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 13 July 2025
  • The storm had rolled in fast, and Delia noted that no audible alarms warned players to seek shelter.
    Devlina Sarkar, MSNBC Newsweek, 11 July 2025
Adjective
  • The ribbed texture is noticeable, but not too thick, and the contouring on the back and front could not be more flattering.
    Katie Jackson, Travel + Leisure, 6 July 2025
  • The team issued an advisory noting that residents in nearby communities may see a noticeable increase in smoke July 5 coming from the southwest flank of the Oak Ridge Fire.
    Arlyssa D. Becenti, AZCentral.com, 5 July 2025
Adjective
  • Showrunner and co-creator Allan Heinberg prioritizes recreating what’s already on the page while stitching those pages together to form a discernible plot.
    Ben Travers, IndieWire, 3 July 2025
  • Notably, the parking sensors cue up camera views far too easily, with no discernible way to click out of the screen to return to Apple CarPlay or navigation until the car simply decides things are safe again.
    Michael Teo Van Runkle, Forbes.com, 1 July 2025
Adjective
  • Past weather records show an appreciable shift in Kentucky’s rainfall patterns, bringing heavy precipitation in shorter, more intense bursts — and amplifying flood risk.
    Connor Giffin, The Courier-Journal, 2 July 2025
  • The latter's use of the pedal steel guitar adds an appreciable whiskey-woozy vibe to the waltz-time tempo.
    Bryan West, The Tennessean, 30 May 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Podcast

Cite this Entry

“Perceptible.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/perceptible. Accessed 18 Jul. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on perceptible

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!