vis·i·ble
ˈvi-zə-bəl 
1
a
: capable of being seen
stars visible to the naked eye
b
: situated in the region of the electromagnetic spectrum perceptible to human vision
visible light
—used of radiation having a wavelength between about 400 nanometers and 700 nanometers
2
a
: exposed to view
the visible horizon
b(1)
: conspicuous
has played a highly visible role in the negotiations
(2)
: well-known
a highly visible politician
3
: capable of being discovered or perceived : recognizable
no visible means of support
4
: accessible sense 2
visible resources
5
: devised to keep a particular part or item always in full view or readily seen or referred to
a visible index
visibleness
noun
plural visibles
: a visible person or thing : someone or something that can be seen or perceived
He achieved important results in both these endeavors, which, being visible, have received ample notice as the visibles of history usually do …—
Barbara W. Tuchman
Barbara W. TuchmanSynonyms
Examples of visible in a Sentence
Adjective
The ship was not visible through the fog.
The ship was barely visible.
The patient showed no visible symptoms.
There was a visible change in his mood.
They played a highly visible role in the negotiations.
Recent Examples on the WebElla Howard / Made By History, TIME, 10 July 2024
The most visible, audible, and charismatic public advocate for Barry Goldwater was William F. Buckley Jr., editor of National Review.
—Neal B. Freeman, National Review, 9 July 2024
Stylists also caution against putting it up in a ponytail as this can cause a bend in the hair that will be visible as the treatment continues to set.
—Annie Blay, Allure, 8 July 2024
The thriving community was quite visible during Shabbat.
—Linda Chase, Sun Sentinel, 8 July 2024
See all Example Sentences for visible 
Adjective
The lack of affordable housing, cuts to assistance programs, and increasing rates of substance abuse, divorce, and domestic violence all fueled the growth of a newly visible homeless population that included more women and children than in previous decades.
—Ella Howard / Made By History, TIME, 10 July 2024
The most visible, audible, and charismatic public advocate for Barry Goldwater was William F. Buckley Jr., editor of National Review.
—Neal B. Freeman, National Review, 9 July 2024
Stylists also caution against putting it up in a ponytail as this can cause a bend in the hair that will be visible as the treatment continues to set.
—Annie Blay, Allure, 8 July 2024
The thriving community was quite visible during Shabbat.
—Linda Chase, Sun Sentinel, 8 July 2024
See all Example Sentences for visible
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'visible.' 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 visible
Cite this Entry
“Visible.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/visible. Accessed 15 Jul. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
visible
adjective
vis·i·ble
ˈviz-ə-bəl
1
: capable of being seen
stars visible to the naked eye
2
: easily seen or understood : obvious
no visible means of support
Medical Definition
visible
adjective
vis·i·ble
ˈviz-ə-bəl
1
: capable of being seen : perceptible to vision
particulates visible to the naked eye
2
: situated in the visible spectrum
visible light
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