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

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 The Price Of Knowing More Asking for more information is the natural response to uncertainty, and usually a sensible one. — Jochen Schwenk, Forbes.com, 29 Sep. 2026 By reducing vehicle prices, more American families will be able to afford newer vehicles, and sensible standards allow automakers more freedom to design and produce vehicles consumers actually want. — Dan Peck, ABC News, 28 Sep. 2026 Hammer tends to deliver equally sensible advice, only in a more flamboyant and revved-up package. — Brady Brickner-Wood, New Yorker, 28 Sep. 2026 The harder question is whether doing either is sensible policy. — Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 28 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for sensible

Recent Examples of Synonyms for sensible

Adjective

Now five decades in the business, the company framed the launch as the next logical step for a brand with products that are built to last and to be passed on between friends, families, and now shoppers.

— Roy Stephen Canivel, Footwear News, 30 Sep. 2026
Eight of the trophies the club won under Mansour came during the years under investigation, so handing them over to the teams that finished behind City while following the rules seems like a logical solution.

— Kevin Baxter, Los Angeles Times, 29 Sep. 2026

Definition of logical

Adjective

Our responsibility is to provide accurate medical information, compassionate counseling and the full range of medically reasonable options so patients can make informed decisions consistent with their values.

— Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 3 Oct. 2026
North Carolina has embraced pro-economic growth policies, like lower taxes and reasonable regulations.

— Mary Ramsey, Charlotte Observer, 2 Oct. 2026

Definition of reasonable

Adjective

Given medium, proportions, and form, from a distance Shift is barely distinguishable from the land.

— Jeffrey Weiss, Artforum, 1 Oct. 2026
Along parts of the coast, relentless rain and early snowmelt made the sea barely distinguishable from the land.

— Patt Morrison, Los Angeles Times, 17 Sep. 2026

Definition of distinguishable

Adjective

In 2001, authorities became aware of the discrepancies surrounding Jamal’s immigration history, and he was eventually convicted of lying to immigration officials.

— Mia Cathell, The Washington Examiner, 5 Oct. 2026
Painfully aware of this, Shawn waited for one of the drunk old men to comment, heckle, make one of those incomprehensible jokes that drew rude laughter from adults.

— Rachel Heng, New Yorker, 4 Oct. 2026

Definition of aware

Adjective

In layman’s terms, critical thinking is the ability to think independently by questioning claims, weighing evidence, and making reasoned judgments.

— Ted Ladd, Forbes.com, 29 Aug. 2026
None are credible challengers; Matt Conroy is the more reasoned and moderate of the three.

— The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 11 Feb. 2026

Definition of reasoned

Adjective

Humans, in contrast, have souls that are additionally capable of rational thought.

— Encyclopedia Britannica, Encyclopedia Britannica, 30 Sep. 2026
Investing more heavily in technology, shifting resources to a newer product line or exiting an activity with poor long-term economics are rational decisions.

— Erik Clarke, Forbes.com, 29 Sep. 2026

Definition of rational

Adjective

They’re matched by the audible intensity of the red-legged seriema, another challenger from South America.

— Meghan Bartels, Washington Post, 1 Oct. 2026
Today’s show featured bold elements, with a vibrant palette of primary colors, panniers and padding that created the illusion of an enormous bottom, or exaggerated green fringing on Bermuda shorts that gave an audible swish as the models walked by.

— Lucy Maguire, Vogue, 25 Sep. 2026

Definition of audible

Adjective

Going into the referendum, both Goodfriend and Fortich are conscious of the fact that affordability is on people’s minds — and that another high-profile property tax question, Florida’s Amendment 3, is on their ballots.

— Max Klaver, Miami Herald, 3 Oct. 2026
Witnesses reported that Pike complained of pain in her arm and remained conscious after the first dose.

— Landon Mion, FOXNews.com, 2 Oct. 2026

Definition of conscious

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Style

“Sensible.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sensible. Accessed 9 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of sensible

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