1
Core quality
Seeming reasonable, credible, or likely to be true, even if not yet proved.
Example
The proposed mechanism is plausible but requires testing.
plausible
/ˈplɔːzəbəl/ · PLAW-zuh-buladjective
Seeming reasonable, credible, or likely to be true, even if not yet proved.
Use plausible to express this relationship precisely: seeming reasonable, credible, or likely to be true, even if not yet proved.
What plausible Really Means
The word becomes easier to use when its closely related senses are separated and compared.
2
Attributive or predicative use
Use this adjective before a suitable noun or after a linking verb such as be or seem.
Example
She offered a plausible explanation for the discrepancy.
3
Analytical distinction
Choose it when this exact descriptive quality matters; a related word may overlap without conveying the same trait.
Example
Each scenario is technically possible, but only one is historically plausible.
Use plausible Naturally
Notice how the surrounding noun or clause reveals the exact shade of meaning.
The proposed mechanism is plausible but requires testing.
She offered a plausible explanation for the discrepancy.
Each scenario is technically possible, but only one is historically plausible.
Precision Matters
Plausible overlaps with several common words, but each carries a different emphasis.
plausible
vs.Means seeming reasonable, credible, or likely to be true, even if not yet proved.
spurious
Means false, invalid, or not genuine despite appearing plausible.
plausible
vs.Means seeming reasonable, credible, or likely to be true, even if not yet proved.
unfounded
Means not supported by facts, evidence, or a sound basis.
plausible
vs.Means seeming reasonable, credible, or likely to be true, even if not yet proved.
incontrovertible
Means impossible to deny or dispute because the evidence is decisive.
plausible
vs.Means seeming reasonable, credible, or likely to be true, even if not yet proved.
credible
Means believable and worthy of trust.
Test plausible in Context
The hypothesis is reasonable and credible, though not yet established as fact.
1
Because the hypothesis accounts for all three observations without contradicting known evidence, it is scientifically ___.