tangible

adjective

tan·gi·ble | \ ˈtan-jə-bəl

Definition of tangible

(Entry 1 of 2)

1a : capable of being perceived especially by the sense of touch : palpable

b : substantially real : material

2 : capable of being precisely identified or realized by the mind her grief was tangible

3 : capable of being appraised at an actual or approximate value tangible assets

tangible

noun

tan·gi·ble | \ ˈtan-jə-bəl

Definition of tangible (Entry 2 of 2)

: something that is tangible (see tangible entry 1) especially : an asset capable of being appraised at an actual or approximate value

Other Words from tangible Synonyms & Antonyms Choose the Right Synonym Did You Know? More Example Sentences Learn More about tangible

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Other Words from tangible

Adjective

tangibility \ ˌtan-jə-ˈbi-lə-tē

\ noun

tangibleness \ ˈtan-jə-bəl-nəs

\ noun

tangibly \ ˈtan-jə-blē

\ adverb

Synonyms & Antonyms for tangible

Synonyms: Adjective

palpable, touchable

Antonyms: Adjective

impalpable, intangible

Choose the Right Synonym for tangible

Adjective

perceptible, sensible, palpable, tangible, appreciable, ponderable mean apprehensible as real or existent. perceptible applies to what can be discerned by the senses often to a minimal extent. a perceptible difference in sound to a careful listener sensible applies to whatever is clearly apprehended through the senses or impresses itself strongly on the mind. an abrupt, sensible drop in temperature palpable applies either to what has physical substance or to what is obvious and unmistakable. the tension in the air was almost palpable tangible suggests what is capable of being handled or grasped both physically and mentally. no tangible evidence of UFOs appreciable applies to what is distinctly discernible by the senses or definitely measurable. an appreciable increase in income ponderable suggests having definitely measurable weight or importance. exerted a ponderable influence on world events

Did You Know?

Something that's literally tangible can be touched. A rock is tangible, and so is a broken window; if the rock is lying next to the window, it could be tangible evidence of vandalism. When we say that the tension in a room is tangible, we mean we feel it so strongly that it seems almost physical. But if we're being literal, tension, like hope, happiness, and hunger, is literally intangible—it may be real, but it can't be touched. When lawyers talk about an intangible asset, they might mean something like a company's good reputation—very valuable, but not quite touchable.

Examples of tangible in a Sentence

Adjective

These days, an environmentally conscious motorist can walk into a Toyota or Honda dealer and snap up an efficient gasoline-electric hybrid, but the omega point of green driving—the pollution-free hydrogen fuel cell vehicle—is so elusive that one wonders if it will ever become tangible. — Brad Lemley, Discover, October 2002 Piniella has no interest in casino gambling, but the horses and the stock market have fascinated him because, he discovered, the payoff is in the satisfaction of doping out the winner as much as it is in the tangible reward. — Frank Deford, Sports Illustrated, 19 Mar. 2001 This barbed wire, this flattened earth opposite Louie's bestrewn yard, served as a tangible reminder that I was an outsider looking in … — Julie Matheson, Geographical Review, January-April 2001 Traveling alone does have tangible drawbacks: One of the biggest is cost. Taking a trip alone is normally more expensive for one than for half of a pair. — Betsy Wade, New York Times, 20 July 1997 There is no tangible evidence to support her claim. Their sense of relief was almost tangible.

Noun

In this agora, the price of what you buy and sell need bear no implacable relationship to any tangibles. — Jodie Allen, New Republic, 5 June 2000 The nightly highlight packages confront old-timers with videotaped evidence that they didn't have the same tangibles as today's NBA players. — Alexander Wolff, Sports Illustrated Classic, Fall 1991 They were betting that inflation would drive prices much higher. The smart speculator could then sell the commodities or other tangibles, repay the loans, and reap a quick profit. — William Greider, New Yorker, 9 Nov. 1987

Recent Examples on the Web: Adjective

Color will help people understand how genetic test results might affect their health, adding a tangible benefit on top of the initiative’s more abstract goals. — Max Nisen, The Denver Post, "Guest Commentary: The government wants your DNA — don’t run away," 25 Aug. 2019 Building and maintaining a bridge that carries tens of thousands of cars across a river every day has very tangible benefits to the economy and the productivity of thousands of people. — Edward Lotterman, Twin Cities, "Real World Economics: Weighing the value of what we spend," 18 Aug. 2019 West’s accomplishments are often tangible and nonpartisan. — Dallas News, "Against fresh faces in race to unseat John Cornyn, Dallas' Royce West says his record sets him apart," 28 July 2019 Her certainty in her talent and her commitment to music felt tangible to her and within her grasp. — Ashley C. Ford, Marie Claire, "Missy Elliott: The Legend Returns," 15 July 2019 There’s also the lack of tangible financial results thus far. — Gary Marcus, WIRED, "DeepMind's Losses and the Future of Artificial Intelligence," 14 Aug. 2019 Her proposals for rent assistance and a middle-class tax credit of up to $6,000 per year, her campaign staff argues, provide more short-term tangible benefits than, say, more dramatic moves like Warren’s pledge to break up big tech companies. — Jaime Welton, The Mercury News, "Kamala Harris, eyeing a prime debate opportunity, still looking for her political niche," 23 June 2019 At a time when cities like Detroit are demanding that major economic development deals produce tangible benefits for local residents, any failure to reach agreement with the bridge team could have led to problems. — John Gallagher, Detroit Free Press, "Selfie observation decks, bike rack contest part of Gordie Howe bridge perks," 14 June 2019 Starting with a cross-section of gangs marching together at a memorial for Hussle and continuing with summits in L.A. and Compton attended by dozens of gang leaders, the movement has already yielded tangible results. — Nicole Santa Cruz, San Diego Union-Tribune, "Nipsey Hussle’s death unified Crips and Bloods in grief. Now, peace talks carry on his call," 23 June 2019

Recent Examples on the Web: Noun

In terms of tangibles, the guy who departed hitting .241 in 83 at-bats figures to have minimal impact on a feast-or-famine offense that struggles to manufacture runs. — David Haugh, chicagotribune.com, "Column: Ben Zobrist’s return is a nice storyline — but he’s not going to rescue the Cubs," 30 July 2019 Far more important is the subjective feel of a tire, as well as other tangibles like noise, road harshness and, of course, price. — Mike Allen, Popular Mechanics, "Tire Comparison Test: What Rubber Should You Choose?," 16 July 2010 Wagner brings plenty of tangibles to the table for NBA teams to consider. — Tim Hackett, SI.com, "Embraced by a Home Away from Home, Moritz Wagner Is Finally Ready for a New Challenge," 12 June 2018 Despite these aforementioned tangibles being in place, Roberto Baggio still missed his spot kick. — SI.com, "World Cup Countdown: 6 Weeks to Go - Roberto Baggio & the Elusive Daemon of Genius," 13 May 2018 But there are tangibles for the rookies to learn on the court as well. — Mike Richman, OregonLive.com, "Trail Blazers' rookies Zach Collins, Caleb Swanigan join crowded rotation in Portland," 27 June 2017 Catherine Golladay, a senior vice president and 20-year veteran of Schwab, said those are some of the tangibles. — Plain Dealer Business Staff, cleveland.com, "Charles Schwab earns top spot among large employers, with paid sabbaticals, volunteer work: Top Workplaces 2017," 18 June 2017 So focus on the tangibles, not the potential shadiness (noise is noise, innocent or not). — Andrea Bonior, chicagotribune.com, "I'm not into him but he won't stop texting me. Other than ghosting, what can I do?," 7 June 2017

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'tangible.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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Statistics for tangible

Last Updated

9 Sep 2019

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Time Traveler for tangible

The first known use of tangible was in 1589

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More Definitions for tangible

tangible

adjective

English Language Learners Definition of tangible

: easily seen or recognized

: able to be touched or felt

See the full definition for tangible in the English Language Learners Dictionary

tangible

adjective

tan·gi·ble | \ ˈtan-jə-bəl

Kids Definition of tangible

1 : possible to touch or handle : material Sometimes he pursued the call into the forest, looking for it as though it were a tangible thing …— Jack London, The Call of the Wild

2 : easily seen or recognized tangible benefits