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 Tableware Deals With holiday hosting season a few weeks out, now is a sensible time to stock up on glassware and flatware. — Julia Harrison, Architectural Digest, 7 Oct. 2026 Several experts on the Yersinia pestis bacterium that causes plague told CNBC that isolation and monitoring of anyone who had been in contact with the diseased person is a normal and sensible strategy. — Elsa Ohlen, CNBC, 6 Oct. 2026 Ankis Ankle-Strap Block-Heeled Sandals Complete with a secure ankle strap and sensible heel height, these block-heel sandals will quickly become a staple in your special occasion rotation. — Kate Boswell, Southern Living, 4 Oct. 2026 It’s all arranged with the breathtaking efficiency of a father of four Tetris-ing luggage into a sensible, midsize sedan. — Sean McGowan, New York Times, 2 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for sensible

Recent Examples of Synonyms for sensible

Adjective

Perhaps the squad took his ball-respecting mantra to its logical extreme, seemingly reluctant to sully it by smashing it into the net, with Chelsea recording the biggest xG underperformance in the Premier League during his brief tenure.

— Conor O'Neill, New York Times, 15 Oct. 2026
The rebuttal, though methodical and logical, was little more than a momentary speed bump for the runaway popularity of the psychedelic bread story.

— Jennifer Byrne, Popular Science, 15 Oct. 2026

Definition of logical

Adjective

For properties other than single-family homes and duplexes, the statute addresses reasonable provisions for clean and safe common areas along with services such as garbage removal and extermination of certain pests.

— Emma Clapp, Miami Herald, 16 Oct. 2026
These are reasonable explanations for a temporary change, Desai says.

— Angela Haupt, Time, 16 Oct. 2026

Definition of reasonable

Adjective

By combining them in different proportions, the researchers can create 16 distinguishable colours and at least 300 different shades.

— Rupendra Brahambhatt, Interesting Engineering, 10 Oct. 2026
Given medium, proportions, and form, from a distance Shift is barely distinguishable from the land.

— Jeffrey Weiss, Artforum, 1 Oct. 2026

Definition of distinguishable

Adjective

According to Oracle's customer communications, the company became aware of the incident around February 20, 2025.

— Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 18 Oct. 2026
While Netanyahu has sought to project confidence, Trump is well aware of the prime minister’s difficult political position.

— Kevin Liptak, CNN Money, 18 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

Sometimes our rational understanding of life and death bumps into a seemingly impossible presence.

— Amy Nicholson, Los Angeles Times, 15 Oct. 2026
Americans cast English severity as evidence of an old, corrupt political order and imagined their own laws as rational, proportionate and suited to free citizens.

— Maurizio Valsania, The Conversation, 14 Oct. 2026

Definition of rational

Adjective

That is, when the dialogue is audible at all; much of it ends up subsumed by a thundering sound mix that obscures what you’re actually meant to hear.

— Siddhant Adlakha, Variety, 15 Oct. 2026
Sounds of shots being fired and a male voice speaking were audible in the background, police said.

— Coleman Petit, CBS News, 15 Oct. 2026

Definition of audible

Adjective

Responding to the tough market, New York dealer Lauren Marinaro of Marinaro Gallery took a conscious decision to feature artworks under $10,000 from artists Ever Baldwin, Ridley Howard, Ron Isaacs, Ryan Johnson and Alessandro Teoldi.

— Hikmat Mohammed, ARTnews.com, 16 Oct. 2026
Something that truly was almost seen [as] conscious, which is very hard for someone like Olivia, who believes in Jesus and the Bible.

— Senior Television, Los Angeles Times, 16 Oct. 2026

Definition of conscious

Cite this Entry

Style

“Sensible.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sensible. Accessed 20 Oct. 2026.

Copy Citation

Synonyms of sensible

adjective

Synonym Chooser

Example Sentences

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

compunction

Popular in Grammar & Usage

'Affect' vs. 'Effect'

Merriam-Webster’s Great Big List of Words You Love to Hate

The Exceptions of '-s' and '-es' Plurals

Is it 'nerve-racking' or 'nerve-wracking'?

What's the difference between 'fascism' and 'socialism'?

Popular in Wordplay

16 Food Words Recently Added to the Dictionary

The Real Origin of 'Supercalifragilistic'

9 Words That Sound Like Insults But Aren't

7 Words for Bad Endings and Rough Situations

Did 'orange' the fruit or the color come first?

Popular

'Affect' vs. 'Effect'

16 Food Words Recently Added to the Dictionary

The Real Origin of 'Supercalifragilistic'

Games & Quizzes