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 Other nearby States have enacted similar legislation, with no appreciable reduction in revenues. Baltimore Sun Staff, Baltimore Sun, 20 May 2026 And there’s always a hexagonal feature at about 78 degrees north latitude, not seen to vary in any appreciable way, surrounding the system. Big Think, 15 Apr. 2026 Such a mission would, by its very nature, carry an appreciable risk of the loss of American life. Niall Stanage, The Hill, 31 Mar. 2026 Anyone familiar with data center regions like northern Virginia, eastern Oregon, and central Washington knows that such areas have seen appreciable improvements in roads, utilities, schools, government services, and population and economic growth. Dp Opinion, Denver Post, 28 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for appreciable
Recent Examples of Synonyms for appreciable
Adjective
  • The next hurdle for lifestyle influencers will be to make content that’s both useful and, crucially, distinguishable from what AI can do.
    Rebecca Jennings, Vulture, 30 July 2026
  • Based on analyzing samples taken from hundreds of different mole rats, the team learned members of each colony carried a distinguishable chemical signature.
    Jacek Krywko, ArsTechnica, 21 July 2026
Adjective
  • Some treatments made a noticeable difference; others raised more questions than answers.
    John Vorwald, Robb Report, 16 Aug. 2026
  • The Kickstarter file came out dimensionally accurate, with good overhangs out to 85 degrees, but the stringing was noticeable and prominent.
    Michael Lydick, PC Magazine, 15 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • JumpSmart also includes a compass, thermometer, reflector strip, and emergency audible alarm that is perfect for hiking, camping, and off-roading.
    ABC News, ABC News, 8 Aug. 2026
  • In a room of hundreds of people, there was hardly an audible reaction to an announcement that the AP had called the race.
    Ben Wheeler, Kansas City Star, 5 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • Its Fourier transform has a wide spread of frequencies — a sound with no discernible pitch.
    Shalma Wegsman, Quanta Magazine, 12 Aug. 2026
  • The lobes fan straight out from the tree without any discernible stems.
    Katie Hill, Outdoor Life, 6 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • With rain falling, the disk of the sun was barely perceptible and then, suddenly, the lights went out.
    ABC News, ABC News, 12 Aug. 2026
  • Much of this glazing has been retrofitted with an ultraviolet dot pattern that’s hardly perceptible to us but lifesaving for birds.
    Edward Keegan, Chicago Tribune, 28 June 2026
Adjective
  • Additional tests of air inside and out of classrooms and soil on campus have since found minimal or non-detectable levels of PCE, interim Associate Superintendent for Business Services Jeff Carter said.
    Sierra Lopez, Mercury News, 14 Aug. 2026
  • Individual choices look unremarkable, but across enough text, the pattern becomes detectable.
    Anisha Sircar, Forbes.com, 13 Aug. 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Podcast

Cite this Entry

“Appreciable.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/appreciable. Accessed 20 Aug. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on appreciable

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster