sensible
Americanadjective
-
having, using, or showing good sense or sound judgment.
a sensible young woman.
- Synonyms:
- reasonable, rational, sagacious, intelligent
- Antonyms:
- stupid
-
cognizant; keenly aware (usually followed byof ).
sensible of his fault.
- Synonyms:
- observant, understanding, conscious
-
significant in quantity, magnitude, etc.; considerable; appreciable.
a sensible reduction in price.
-
capable of being perceived by the senses; material.
the sensible universe.
- Synonyms:
- palpable, discernible, perceptible
-
capable of feeling or perceiving, as organs or parts of the body.
-
perceptible to the mind.
-
conscious.
The patient was speechless but still sensible.
-
Archaic. sensitive.
adjective
-
having or showing good sense or judgment
a sensible decision
-
(of clothing) serviceable; practical
sensible shoes
-
having the capacity for sensation; sensitive
-
capable of being apprehended by the senses
-
perceptible to the mind
-
(sometimes foll by of) having perception; aware
sensible of your kindness
-
readily perceived; considerable
a sensible difference
noun
Synonym Usage
See practical.
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of sensible
First recorded in 1325–75; Middle English, from Old French, from Latin sēnsibilis; equivalent to sense + -ible
Explanation
Sensible means practical and reasonable. If you're wearing sensible shoes, they're sturdy, comfortable, good for walking, and your feet don't hurt. If you're a sensible person, you're level-headed and calm, and you make wise decisions. Sensible may not sound exciting — who wants to be like a pair of galoshes, when you can be stilettos? But sensible is the voice of reason, and when you're tooling along in your convertible, you'll be grateful for the sensible 15-mile-per-hour speed limit posted at that sharp turn where the road drops off into the canyon. Sensible comes from the Latin sensibilis, meaning "perceptible by the senses," a meaning that eventually evolved into "having good sense, reasonable."
Vocabulary lists containing sensible
Positive Adjectives to Describe People
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Common Senses: Sent, Sens ("Feel")
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"The Witches" by Roald Dahl, Chapters 1–5
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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.
You’ve met a dozen guys like him who all claim “So what?” is the only sensible reaction.
From Los Angeles Times ● Aug. 19, 2026
The WNBA, which has never had a trans woman player, has convened a task force to look at its policy, a sensible move.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Aug. 14, 2026
Despite being a fan of cars - particularly Lamborghinis, which he described as his "dream car" - Ryan made the "sensible decision" to take the money.
From BBC ● Aug. 5, 2026
The ingredients are accessible, the substitutions sensible, the salmon cakes plausible weeknight fare.
From Salon ● Aug. 5, 2026
“You look like a sensible lad. Answer me, yes or no: Have you children seen my ostrich?”
From "The Unseen Guest" by Maryrose Wood
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
