Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective tangible contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of tangible are appreciable, palpable, perceptible, ponderable, and sensible. While all these words mean "apprehensible as real or existent," tangible suggests what is capable of being handled or grasped both physically and mentally.

no tangible evidence of UFOs

When might appreciable be a better fit than tangible?

The words appreciable and tangible can be used in similar contexts, but appreciable applies to what is distinctly discernible by the senses or definitely measurable.

an appreciable increase in income

When is it sensible to use palpable instead of tangible?

The synonyms palpable and tangible are sometimes interchangeable, but palpable applies either to what has physical substance or to what is obvious and unmistakable.

the tension in the air was almost palpable

In what contexts can perceptible take the place of tangible?

Although the words perceptible and tangible have much in common, perceptible applies to what can be discerned by the senses often to a minimal extent.

a perceptible difference in sound to a careful listener

When is ponderable a more appropriate choice than tangible?

The meanings of ponderable and tangible largely overlap; however, ponderable suggests having definitely measurable weight or importance.

exerted a ponderable influence on world events

When could sensible be used to replace tangible?

While in some cases nearly identical to tangible, sensible applies to whatever is clearly apprehended through the senses or impresses itself strongly on the mind.

an abrupt, sensible drop in temperature

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of tangible At Leafr, that shift is tangible. Gus Bartholomew, Sourcing Journal, 3 Nov. 2025 On a more tangible level, the week ahead could attract news in relation to home, family, or domestic affairs. Kyle Thomas, PEOPLE, 2 Nov. 2025 The Taurus Full Moon on November 5 lights up your career and public reputation, and the impact is tangible. Dossé-Via Trenou, Refinery29, 2 Nov. 2025 While each talked up their AI strategy, analysts focused on the scale of the investments and how these plans will start translating to tangible returns. Alex Harring,yun Li, CNBC, 31 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for tangible
Recent Examples of Synonyms for tangible
Adjective
  • Is basketball good for your physical health?
    Daryl Austin, USA Today, 2 Nov. 2025
  • In this case, the donation is a physical piece of equipment, and the money can’t be diverted to something else, Obayashi said.
    Sasha Rogelberg, Fortune, 2 Nov. 2025
Adjective
  • Similarly, the depth of the pile doesn’t rebound if furniture is moved, which can be noticeable for a period of time.
    Audrey Lee, Architectural Digest, 6 Nov. 2025
  • Just as Mamdani aims to improve the lives of young people more broadly, those working under him could see a noticeable shift in how the workplace is run.
    Jessica Coacci, Fortune, 6 Nov. 2025
Adjective
  • The affection is palpable throughout, and contagious.
    Alison Herman, Variety, 5 Nov. 2025
  • There’s no overemphasizing how much color is packed into each frame, nor the production team’s palpable commitment to such tactile effects work.
    Kambole Campbell, IndieWire, 4 Nov. 2025
Adjective
  • There is even a video someone made on TikTok about the show and the touchable component of it, which sparked great conversation online and the video has gone viral.
    Michael James Rocha, San Diego Union-Tribune, 19 Oct. 2025
  • For coarser curls, may want heavier gel This lightweight gel defines curls without stiffness, keeping them touchable and bouncy while reducing frizz.
    Malia Griggs, Glamour, 30 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Tangible.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/tangible. Accessed 9 Nov. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on tangible

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