appreciable
adjective
-ˈpri-sh(ē-)ə-bəl
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Appreciable, like the verb appreciate, comes from the Late Latin verb appretiare ("to appraise" or "to put a price on"). It is one of several English adjectives that can be applied to something that can be detected, felt, or measured. Specifically, appreciable applies to what is highly noticeable or definitely measurable, whereas perceptible, which is often paired with barely or scarcely, applies to what can be discerned to a minimal extent. Sensible refers to something that is clearly perceived; a sensible difference in someone's expression is easily detected. Palpable applies to something that, if it doesn't have actual physical substance, is nevertheless quite noticeable via the senses ("a palpable chill in the air"). Tangible is used for something capable of being handled or grasped, either physically or mentally ("tangible evidence").
Synonyms
Examples of appreciable in a Sentence
Amber Smith, Discover Magazine, 7 Jan. 2024
At every turn, developments are backed up with appreciable craft.
—Mike McCahill, Variety, 27 Mar. 2024
For days the region had gone without appreciable rain, while winds sopped moisture from soil and vegetation, contributing to the smoky hazards of burning brush.
—Martin Weil, Washington Post, 23 Mar. 2024
However, there is appreciable variance in their scale across countries.
—Harry G. Broadman, Forbes, 29 Feb. 2024
There is a synchronization to the Heat’s passing that has taken an appreciable jump in recent weeks.
—Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 22 Feb. 2024
Old Man Winter finally broke the streak of 700-plus days last week without an appreciable snowstorm when the white stuff fell, clogging roads, closing schools and making life semi-miserable for those who had to go out in it.
—Frederick N. Rasmussen, Baltimore Sun, 23 Jan. 2024
Policymakers must demand extensive changes to the Basel III Endgame proposal so the banking sector can continue its essential role in the U.S. economy–and to avoid taxing consumers and businesses for no appreciable benefit to financial stability.
—Kevin Fromer, Fortune, 6 Dec. 2023
Here, the record demonstrates an appreciable amount of tension between the competing interpretations, and a lack of definitive guidance in the text or historical sources.
—Isabella Murray, ABC News, 18 Nov. 2023
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'appreciable.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Dictionary Entries Near appreciable
Cite this Entry
“Appreciable.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/appreciable. Accessed 17 Apr. 2024.
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appreciable
adjective
ə-ˈprish(-ē)-ə-bəl
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