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Synonyms

sensible

American  
[sen-suh-buhl] / ˈsɛn sə bəl /

adjective

  1. having, using, or showing good sense or sound judgment.

    a sensible young woman.

    Synonyms:
    reasonable, rational, sagacious, intelligent
    Antonyms:
    stupid
  2. cognizant; keenly aware (usually followed byof ).

    sensible of his fault.

    Synonyms:
    observant, understanding, conscious
  3. significant in quantity, magnitude, etc.; considerable; appreciable.

    a sensible reduction in price.

  4. capable of being perceived by the senses; material.

    the sensible universe.

    Synonyms:
    palpable, discernible, perceptible
  5. capable of feeling or perceiving, as organs or parts of the body.

  6. perceptible to the mind.

  7. conscious.

    The patient was speechless but still sensible.

  8. Archaic. sensitive.


sensible British  
/ ˈsɛnsɪbəl /

adjective

  1. having or showing good sense or judgment

    a sensible decision

  2. (of clothing) serviceable; practical

    sensible shoes

  3. having the capacity for sensation; sensitive

  4. capable of being apprehended by the senses

  5. perceptible to the mind

  6. (sometimes foll by of) having perception; aware

    sensible of your kindness

  7. readily perceived; considerable

    a sensible difference

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

noun

  1. Also called: sensible note.  a less common term for leading note

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Related Words

See practical.

Other Word Forms

  • nonsensible adjective
  • nonsensibleness noun
  • nonsensibly adverb
  • oversensible adjective
  • oversensibleness noun
  • oversensibly adverb
  • sensibleness noun
  • sensibly adverb
  • unsensible adjective
  • unsensibleness noun
  • unsensibly adverb

Etymology

Origin of sensible

First recorded in 1325–75; Middle English, from Old French, from Latin sēnsibilis; equivalent to sense + -ible

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

If “Intentional” isn’t consistently riveting reading, it is nonetheless sensible—and well-intentioned.

From The Wall Street Journal

"We've got to be sensible because we are a responsible organisation and we match animals to the people," Ms Sparkes said.

From BBC

In quite a few places the rest of us will struggle, just as we do in trying to make sensible financial choices.

From The Wall Street Journal

Economically, worry about whether anyone can place sensible bets on new technologies such as AI when the dollar’s value over time becomes more volatile.

From The Wall Street Journal

Pick long-term sensible picks that can be reliable and played even in tougher fixtures.

From BBC