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
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.
“The Madison” is Sheridan’s way of proving he understands that women can also, on occasion, be normal, grounded and sensible humans.
From Salon • Mar. 23, 2026
I suspect a majority of the justices will be sensible enough to overturn him here as well.
From Slate • Mar. 21, 2026
The central bank makes a sensible decision to stand pat on rates.
From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 18, 2026
Batty agrees that some breeds lead to bigger vets bills but she thinks people are becoming "more sensible" in their choices.
From BBC • Mar. 10, 2026
Campbell described Isaac as “rather tall, of strong frame, stoops a little, in color ebony; sensible, intelligent, pleasant.”
From "In the Shadow of Liberty" by Kenneth C. Davis
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.
