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
-
Also called: sensible note. a less common term for leading note
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.
I also didn’t know what a Dryrobe was until I saw every sensible swimmer come out of the North Sea and throw one on to stay warm.
From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 25, 2026
“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
For retirement portfolios that grow over 30 or 40 years, then pay out for another 20 or 30, some private credit seems sensible.
From Barron's • Mar. 19, 2026
She looked again at the small girl with bright eyes standing beside her desk so sensible and solemn.
From "Matilda" by Roald Dahl
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.
