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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 The energy was palpable, as Cardi commanded the crowd with equal amounts of humor and swagger. Isabela Raygoza, Billboard, 28 Sep. 2025 The passion on Anthony Weaver’s face was palpable. Miami Herald, 27 Sep. 2025 Although Swift, 35, didn’t attend her fiancé Travis Kelce’s international game, and hasn’t been as visible at NFL games so far this season, the energy that Swift has injected into the sport is palpable. Nick Maslow, PEOPLE, 25 Sep. 2025 The audience shift was palpable — phones up, eyes forward, feet two-stepping in time. Heather Bushman, IndyStar, 23 Sep. 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
  • One tangible reason for Knicks fans to be hopeful is the fact that new coach Mike Brown will almost certainly use his bench a lot more than his predecessor, Tom Thibodeau, did.
    Robert Marvi, MSNBC Newsweek, 1 Oct. 2025
  • After nearly three years in office, this strategy Hobbs chose has yielded few tangible, undisputed results beyond the existence of a heat preparedness plan.
    Joan Meiners, AZCentral.com, 1 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • When Swift won the 2015 Grammy for album of the year, cameras captured Gomez tearing up in the audience, her pride unmistakable.
    Bryan West, USA Today, 6 Oct. 2025
  • The reference point was unmistakable.
    Maggie Clancy, Footwear News, 4 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • The 5-foot-6 guard was barely audible.
    Ben Pickman, New York Times, 4 Oct. 2025
  • If the sky becomes menacing and thunder becomes audible, seek out a safe place to seek shelter.
    CA Weather Bot, Sacbee.com, 3 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • There was a noticeable gap between Ocean dropping his studio debut Channel Orange in 2012 and his 2016 album releases Endless and Blonde — and fans noticed.
    Sophie Dodd, PEOPLE, 2 Oct. 2025
  • The last two words, something Redick said the Lakers needed to be in after the team lost in five games to the Minnesota Timberwolves during last year’s playoffs, has been the most noticeable priority shift in the earliest days of training camp.
    Dan Woike, New York Times, 2 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • The impact of this team is evident not only in their buildings but in their relationships.
    Malana VanTyler, USA Today, 3 Oct. 2025
  • While some laws have changed, the wealth is evident even on a brief visit.
    Vivienne Walt, Time, 3 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • 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
  • 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
Adjective
  • Green Hill plans to help restart Smith Springs financially, provide manpower for physical work and could potentially have some of its congregants move to Smith Springs Baptist, officials said.
    Andy Humbles, Nashville Tennessean, 6 Oct. 2025
  • Harbaugh wants to be a physical team.
    Daniel Popper, New York Times, 6 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Palpable.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/palpable. Accessed 8 Oct. 2025.

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