sensible

adjective

ˈsen(t)-sə-bəl How to pronounce sensible (audio)
Definition of sensiblenext
1
as in noticeable
able to be perceived by a sense or by the mind a sensible change in temperature

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in logical
according to the rules of logic this is the only sensible conclusion

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in reasonable
based on sound reasoning or information a sensible decision to delay marriage until they knew one another better

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
4
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 Wimbledon is the tennis manifestation of this attitude, the sensible friend who likes to call it a night early. —Charlie Eccleshare, New York Times, 6 July 2025 In an ever-evolving landscape of language and communication, the USA TODAY Network Style Guide serves as a dynamic and sensible resource. —Benjamin Goad, The Tennessean, 2 July 2025 But thanks to sensible regulations and a strong potential upside, its industry is starting to light up, and Forbes has created a guide to navigating the cannabis laws across the EU and the United Kingdom. —Danielle Chemtob, Forbes.com, 11 July 2025 Taking Shoaib Bashir out of the firing line seems sensible, too. —The Athletic Uk Staff, New York Times, 8 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for sensible
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sensible
  1. noticeable
  2. logical
  3. reasonable
  4. aware
  5. rational
  6. conscious
  7. appreciable
  8. coherent
Adjective
  • Some people find that getting a tan makes their acne less noticeable, but these effects are temporary.
    — Sherri Gordon, Health, 15 July 2025
  • Speaking of titles with a noticeable presence on the streaming originals list is Stranger Things, which hasn’t debuted any new episodes in three years.
    — Katie Campione, Deadline, 14 July 2025
Definition of noticeable
Adjective
  • Big consulting players like Bain & Company use online assessments to evaluate a candidate’s situational awareness, numerical and verbal aptitude, and logical reasoning before a technical interview is even scheduled.
    — Julia Korn, Forbes.com, 25 July 2025
  • Cutting ties with him doesn't seem logical at the moment.
    — Zach Pressnell, MSNBC Newsweek, 24 July 2025
Definition of logical
Adjective
  • Invoking Section 15 of Article 17, the NFL wants Droney to order payment of reasonable attorneys’ fees and costs—about $12 million.
    — Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 14 July 2025
  • This projection appears reasonable considering that the current effective tariff rate of the U.S. has increased five-fold this year to roughly 16% according to the Yale Budget Lab.
    — Nick Sargen, Forbes.com, 14 July 2025
Definition of reasonable
Adjective
  • Authorities aren't aware of any other injured, Police Chief Joe Silva said.
    — Jeanine Santucci, USA Today, 26 July 2025
  • Young musicians coming out of music schools should be aware of all the other kinds of music, and should be able to play those other types of music, because 95 percent of them will not play in symphony orchestras or as soloists.
    — George Varga, San Diego Union-Tribune, 26 July 2025
Definition of aware
Adjective
  • The regime’s more rational elements may eventually prevail and reduce tensions.
    — Roya Hakakian, The Atlantic, 10 July 2025
  • A lot of court cases have been dealing with these cancellations as a group, highlighting the lack of scientific—or seemingly rational—input into the decisions to cut funding for entire categories of research.
    — ArsTechnica, ArsTechnica, 9 July 2025
Definition of rational
Adjective
  • Processing cheap rare earth is a nasty business using dangerous acid precursors that come with inherent risks, which bump up the prices of processing in the environmentally conscious West.
    — Clem Chambers, Forbes.com, 14 July 2025
  • The discovery triggered a kind of synaptic flooding, a wave of memory overwhelming its conscious embankment.
    — Jessica Winter, New Yorker, 14 July 2025
Definition of conscious
Adjective
  • The Heat sees upside with Johnson, but there hasn’t been appreciable growth this summer.
    — Miami Herald, Miami Herald, 14 July 2025
  • Amazon’s Kindle Paperwhite for 2024 ($159.99) might look similar to its predecessor, but its slightly larger 7-inch display and appreciable performance increase make for a distinct update from previous generations.
    — Sarah Lord, PC Magazine, 1 July 2025
Definition of appreciable
Adjective
  • The master plan provides a coherent countywide path forward that can achieve economies of scale for managing our solid waste and better serve the health and well-being of our communities.
    — Linda Thompson Gonzalez, Sun Sentinel, 20 July 2025
  • In short, as with many pressing questions related to tariff policy, there is no coherent and unbiased economic consensus.
    — George Calhoun, Forbes.com, 17 July 2025
Definition of coherent

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sensibility
sensible
sensibleness
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Cite this Entry

“Sensible.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sensible. Accessed 29 Jul. 2025.

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