Synonyms of tangible

tangible

adjective

ˈtan-jə-bəl 

as in physical

capable of being perceived by the sense of touch

a firm belief in the existence of the soul, even though it is not at all tangible

Synonyms & Similar Words

• physical
• noticeable
• palpable
• touchable
• visible
• tactile
• real
• actual
• substantial
• corporeal
• observable
• perceptible
• discernible
• concrete
• embodied
• appreciable
• existent
• detectable
• discernable
• seeable
• material
• sensible

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• intangible
• immaterial
• impalpable
• spiritual
• abstract
• insubstantial
• incorporeal
• nonphysical
• virtual
• nonmaterial
• unsubstantial
• formless
• unreal
• bodiless
• ethereal
• imperceptible
• unbodied
• insensible

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

Recent Examples of tangible

The founder’s long-term goal is to leverage the company’s growth to invest in tangible, grassroots solutions. —Jason Phillips, USA Today, 5 Aug. 2025

Then there's the looming, less tangible, but clearly present influence of climate change. —Joan Meiners, AZCentral.com, 4 Aug. 2025

This partnership was created with the female sports viewer in mind, specifically, a demographic that makes up nearly half of the total sports fandom, but any interested customers can get their hands on them, or rather, their nails, to express their team enthusiasm through these tangible extensions. —Kaleigh Werner, Footwear News, 4 Aug. 2025

With Mercury, your ruling planet, entering fellow earth sign Taurus on May 10, your ideas can be translated into tangible reality much more easily. —Meghan Rose, Glamour, 1 Aug. 2025