SENSIBLE Synonyms: 202 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

sensible

adjective

ˈsen(t)-sə-bəl

Definition of sensible next

as in logical

based on sound reasoning or information a sensible decision to delay marriage until they knew one another better

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in reasonable

according to the rules of logic this is the only sensible conclusion

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in noticeable

able to be perceived by a sense or by the mind a sensible change in temperature

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in aware

having specified facts or feelings actively impressed on the mind sensible of the shift in attitude by the general public on the issue

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 Ironically, or not, bloomers are named for the journalist and Suffragist Amelia Bloomer, who advocated for women to abandon rigid corsets and heavy petticoats in favor of trousers, shorter skirts, and sensible boots. —

Rosemary Feitelberg, Footwear News, 29 June 2026 Compared with protein, which lends itself to narratives of growth—more grams, more gains—fibre is a bit of a hard sell, likelier to be espoused by women in sensible shoes than by fitness junkies on Twitch. —

Hannah Goldfield, New Yorker, 29 June 2026 The new policies in Los Angeles show that a more sensible approach is possible. —

CNN Money, 29 June 2026 Swift paired her signature red lip with sensible block heels and a great pair of barrel jeans, proving that the divisive denim trend isn’t going anywhere. —

Iman Balagam, InStyle, 26 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for sensible

Recent Examples of Synonyms for sensible

Adjective

The business solution provider, on the other hand, acts as the logical custodian of critical processes.

— Vicente Pava, Forbes.com, 2 July 2026
Those are legitimate concerns, and yet the rebuttals are just as logical.

— Josh Brown,Sean Russo, CNBC, 2 July 2026

Definition of logical

Adjective

Part of what’s at work is a reasonable desire to give a party with more than its share of grizzled congressional veterans a jolt of youthful energy.

— The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 5 July 2026
This week prosecutors need only demonstrate that there are reasonable grounds to believe Robinson killed Kirk.

— ABC News, ABC News, 5 July 2026

Definition of reasonable

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

Definition of reasoned

Adjective

In the 42nd minute, Portugal's Cristiano Ronaldo held the ball near midfield, and audible boos came raining down from the crowd.

— Ashley Mowreader, NBC news, 3 July 2026
If the sky becomes menacing and thunder becomes audible, seek out a safe place to seek shelter.

— NC Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 3 July 2026

Definition of audible

Adjective

Factor meals are made with health-conscious ingredients that can cater to your dietary needs, ranging from Keto to vegan and beyond.

— Rachel Cortez, USA Today, 4 July 2026
As an ambassador for Cystic Fibrosis Ireland, Howard is conscious of what his appearance at The Open could mean to younger people living with the condition and to their families.

— Amelie Claydon, New York Times, 4 July 2026