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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 There was a palpable excitement around it. Dana Harris-Bridson, IndieWire, 8 Sep. 2025 There was a palpable buzz on Charlotte’s campus leading up to kickoff. Hunter Bailey, Charlotte Observer, 7 Sep. 2025 The same goes for Ashlie Atkinson as bus controller Ruby, whose very human guilt is palpable throughout. Damon Wise, Deadline, 6 Sep. 2025 Of course, the hype around Manning has been palpable. Ryan Gaydos, FOXNews.com, 6 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for palpable
Recent Examples of Synonyms for palpable
Adjective
  • 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
  • His distinguishable look, punctuated by a large black beard, became iconic.
    Nate Gartrell, Mercury News, 19 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • Preservation is a core part of its mission to offer what White called a tangible connection to history through immersive experiences.
    Catherine Muccigrosso, Charlotte Observer, 10 Sep. 2025
  • Sephora’s Rouge tier consistently delivers early access to sales and exclusive events, reinforcing status in tangible ways.
    Jeff Fromm, Forbes.com, 10 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • There is a deep respect for the brand’s heritage throughout the collection, but also an unmistakable drive to modernize, internationalize, and individualize the designs for today’s and tomorrow’s audience.
    Lee Sharrock, Forbes.com, 14 Sep. 2025
  • The mood on the factory floor was unmistakable.
    Footwear News, Footwear News, 12 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • If the sky becomes menacing and thunder becomes audible, seek out a safe place to seek shelter.
    CA Weather Bot, Sacbee.com, 13 Sep. 2025
  • The request drew audible groans and shouts from other members.
    Anna Commander, MSNBC Newsweek, 11 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Why Local Marketing Is Gaining Ground Again In recent years, there’s been a noticeable shift in how small and midsized businesses (SMBs) approach marketing.
    Ashot Barseghyan, Forbes.com, 11 Sep. 2025
  • Particularly noticeable is Cavagnari’s eye for mixing midcentury modern furnishings, vintage lighting from Morocco, and older pieces that carry a story with them, such as a portable writing desk and a chair that folds into its own leather steamer trunk.
    Elizabeth Heath, Travel + Leisure, 10 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • This is not your father’s or grandfather’s Atherton High School football program, and never was that more evident than Tuesday’s practice at the school.
    Rich Barak, Louisville Courier Journal, 12 Sep. 2025
  • The care taken in preparing the food is evident.
    Sacbee.com, Sacbee.com, 12 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • My sister looked up at me and ever so gently, with barely perceptible pressure, squeezed my hand.
    Gordon G. Chang, MSNBC Newsweek, 17 Sep. 2025
  • That perceptible swing—characterized by personality, warmth, and settled approachability—coincided with Amy Astley’s appointment as our head of editorial content.
    Katherine McLaughlin, Architectural Digest, 9 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Farrell was a heavy favorite due to his complete physical transformation in The Penguin, becoming barely recognizable to play villainous Oswald.
    Toni Fitzgerald, Forbes.com, 15 Sep. 2025
  • With a mix of humor and introspection, Turturro’s speech reflected on his experiences taking care of his late brother with mental challenges and physical illness.
    Andrew McGowan, Variety, 14 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Palpable.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/palpable. Accessed 17 Sep. 2025.

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