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

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 perceptible On Friday, wind gusts were 12 mph or less, with a nearly two-hour morning stretch of no perceptible winds, according to National Weather Service data. Dennis Romero, NBC News, 9 Nov. 2024 The barely perceptible changes in climate, demography, and geology; the gradual formation of religious and cultural practices; and the slow growth of trade networks or agricultural practices -- all of this, Braudel held, is the real stuff of human affairs. Robert Zaretsky, Foreign Affairs, 10 Feb. 2011 Spiders are also keen observers of the forest’s breath, barely perceptible air currents eddying through the trees, and place their webs strategically to intercept these drafts — and the insects that use them to boost their transit through the woods. Rick Borchelt, Baltimore Sun, 11 Nov. 2024 And the songs followed this logic, molting bit by bit, year over year, the changes barely perceptible in the moment, until a full evolution had occurred. Paul A. Thompson, Pitchfork, 15 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for perceptible 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for perceptible
Adjective
  • Philadelphia brought back Sirianni amid murmurs about his job status, and that conversation became more audible after the Eagles started the season 2-2.
    Rohan Nadkarni, NBC News, 23 Jan. 2025
  • Complaints about distraction are most audible from members of the knowledge class—journalists, artists, novelists, professors.
    Daniel Immerwahr, The New Yorker, 20 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • The difference in how Andrew carries himself now is noticeable, Caroline said.
    Silas Allen, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 16 Jan. 2025
  • For a movie that looks so remarkably good – from the oppressive, classical set design to the astounding lighting work – Ash's (Rook this time around) uncanny comeback was a noticeable exception.
    Fran Ruiz, Space.com, 15 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • Kitsch recalls how Gilpin improvised a tender scene in which Sara gently teases Isaac for having a discernible heartbeat.
    Meredith Blake, Los Angeles Times, 9 Jan. 2025
  • Instead, a collection of complementary events and trends conspired to create a discernible path towards sustainable and systemic change in digital and cybersecurity oversight.
    Bob Zukis, Forbes, 9 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • By three to six months, most patients can see appreciable volume gains.
    Jolene Edgar, Allure, 9 Jan. 2025
  • For starters, there are a few practical things that ushered this shift: From the 1970s onward, Americans began to think of homes as appreciable investments.
    Zachary Crockett, thehustle.co, 13 Dec. 2024

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Thesaurus Entries Near perceptible

Cite this Entry

“Perceptible.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/perceptible. Accessed 30 Jan. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on perceptible

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