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 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 In other words, there won’t be an appreciable difference. Jim Alexander, Oc Register, 16 Jan. 2026 Anyone who’s survived to 2026 knows the upper class’ fictitious fantasies still carry real, wretched consequences for the rest of us, but Season 4 plays out those ongoing scenarios to the nth degree, while condensing them into an appreciable narrative arc. Ben Travers, IndieWire, 11 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for appreciable
Recent Examples of Synonyms for appreciable
Adjective
  • In the city’s Financial District, home to Canada’s major banks, locals are easily distinguishable from tourists and visitors by the conspicuous absence of winter paraphernalia.
    Vivian Song, CNN Money, 17 Feb. 2026
  • Two executive chefs ago, Georgie had a distinguishable French bent under the leadership of RJ Yoakum, who previously spent years working for Thomas Keller at The French Laundry.
    Claire Ballor Staff Reporter, Dallas Morning News, 11 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • The large police presence was noticeable even before the commissioners’ meeting, when 14 city police officers and sheriff’s deputies stood outside.
    Eleanor Nash, Kansas City Star, 11 Mar. 2026
  • Fine-line flicks also made a quiet but noticeable debut on runways for Giorgio Armani Prive, Jovana Louis, and Prabal Gurung.
    Loren Savini, Allure, 10 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • If the sky becomes menacing and thunder becomes audible, seek out a safe place to seek shelter.
    NC Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 16 Mar. 2026
  • Let hardwood be hardwood The Big 12 made an in-tournament audible and changed from its LED glass court to the old-fashioned hardwood kind, citing the possibility of injuries from the slippery surface.
    Paul Sullivan, Chicago Tribune, 15 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • With no discernable reason beyond intimidation, Hasner approved this staggering waste of taxpayer funds, stifling the First Amendment right of peaceable assembly.
    Karen J. Leader, Sun Sentinel, 9 Mar. 2026
  • But occasionally, a case with no discernible link to pigs is reported.
    Theresa Gaffney, STAT, 2 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • 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
Adjective
  • It is estimated that there are 500,000 detectable earthquakes in the world each year.
    CA Earthquake Bot, Sacbee.com, 12 Mar. 2026
  • And though the coating is the same shade of Home Depot orange, the flavor is barely detectable beyond the color.
    Jenn Harris, Los Angeles Times, 9 Mar. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Appreciable.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/appreciable. Accessed 18 Mar. 2026.

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