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Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective palpable contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of palpable are appreciable, perceptible, ponderable, sensible, and tangible. While all these words mean "apprehensible as real or existent," 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 appreciable take the place of palpable?

The synonyms appreciable and palpable are sometimes interchangeable, 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 perceptible instead of palpable?

While the synonyms perceptible and palpable are close in meaning, 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 can ponderable be used instead of palpable?

In some situations, the words ponderable and palpable are roughly equivalent. However, ponderable suggests having definitely measurable weight or importance.

exerted a ponderable influence on world events

When might sensible be a better fit than palpable?

Although the words sensible and palpable have much in common, sensible applies to whatever is clearly apprehended through the senses or impresses itself strongly on the mind.

an abrupt, sensible drop in temperature

When is tangible a more appropriate choice than palpable?

The words tangible and palpable are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, tangible suggests what is capable of being handled or grasped both physically and mentally.

no tangible evidence of UFOs

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 palpable Wyn Baptiste An acclaimed photographer of street protests ponders the effectiveness of his work, even as his images provoke palpable international reactions. Christian Zilko, IndieWire, 9 Oct. 2025 The energy was palpable post show with the crowd highly enthused by the celestial offerings. Martino Carrera, Footwear News, 7 Oct. 2025 While signing him to another deal helps later on in the season, there are still palpable obstacles for the Warriors to overcome in a trade, as pointed out by ESPN's Bobby Marks. Nelson Espinal, MSNBC Newsweek, 7 Oct. 2025 Between the aroma of sizzling cuisine, the driving beat of live music, and the anticipation for some of Hip-Hop and R&B’s biggest names, the city’s energy was palpable. Amber Corrine, VIBE.com, 6 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for palpable
Recent Examples of Synonyms for palpable
Adjective
  • The structure of Pittsburgh’s tax, which involves applying a different rate to nonresidents, is distinguishable from many other such taxes, which typically apply the same rate to visiting players.
    Robert Raiola, Sportico.com, 27 Sep. 2025
  • The 300-second exposure shows the wandering solar system body as a minute dot, barely distinguishable among the stellar giants populating the distant starfield beyond.
    Anthony Wood, Space.com, 1 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Al-Sudani, who rose to power after that upheaval, insisted his government had taken tangible steps to restore public trust, such as economic progress and political stability.
    Emma Graham, CNBC, 15 Oct. 2025
  • These national figures highlight the tangible effects that immigration policies can have on local communities.
    Billal Rahman, MSNBC Newsweek, 14 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • The production, the rhythm, the message and Langley’s unmistakable voice meld mightily to make this an irresistible track and further cement Langley as one of the genre’s brightest newcomers.
    Jessica Nicholson, Billboard, 20 Oct. 2025
  • Analyzing over 20 million AI shopping agent conversations revealed an unmistakable pattern.
    Fayez Mohamood, Fortune, 20 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • The clapping served as an audible reminder of the Aztecs’ offensive inadequacies, and players visibly tightened as the clanked shots and errant passes mounted.
    Mark Zeigler, San Diego Union-Tribune, 19 Oct. 2025
  • Consider getting an audible alarm, a steering wheel lock or other anti-theft technology.
    Sacbee.com, Sacbee.com, 17 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Private aviation also saw a noticeable bump there in 2022 as a result of wealthy buyers looking to avoid public transportation.
    Demetrius Simms, Robb Report, 16 Oct. 2025
  • Aldi's Thanksgiving meal bundle this year feeds ten people for just $40, a noticeable markdown from last year's deal.
    Melina Khan, USA Today, 15 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Hackman was not only a collector but an artist himself, and his approach to collecting mirrors the care, aesthetic sensibility, and discipline evident in his own artistic practice.
    Victoria Edel, PEOPLE, 17 Oct. 2025
  • Set the Tone at the Front Door The sense of escape is even evident at the front of the house, where a rose plant climbs across the archway and herbs are planted along the gravel driveway.
    Miranda Crowell, Better Homes & Gardens, 17 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • The environment of transformation is inescapable, and small, perceptible shifts in our way of working happen almost immediately.
    Brené Brown, Fortune, 14 Oct. 2025
  • The 5 Percent Wellness Philosophy Genuine wellness is rooted in perceptible, sustainable recovery — a process best nurtured through consistent, incremental change.
    Footwear News, Footwear News, 29 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • In a world where fake medical implants, counterfeit microchips, and cloned devices can threaten lives, money, and security, proving that a physical object is truly genuine is a major challenge.
    Rupendra Brahambhatt, Interesting Engineering, 19 Oct. 2025
  • The onslaught has also reduced churches and town halls across northeastern Ukraine to rubble, and with them, much of the physical and mental infrastructure of life for the country’s youth.
    Robert F. Worth, The Atlantic, 19 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Palpable.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/palpable. Accessed 22 Oct. 2025.

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