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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 excitement around that time was palpable, says Wale. Baz Bamigboye, Deadline, 13 May 2025 The tension between the personal and the universal is palpable in the plot of Novela. Ernesto Lechner, Rolling Stone, 10 May 2025 Distrust and anger toward the Democratic party were palpable at the town hall when one participant asked Gallego how Democrats should change their messaging moving forward. Anne Bryson, CBS News, 10 May 2025 As all 2,161 of their fans entered Fratton Park, the nerves were palpable — but there was an air of confidence. Nick Miller, New York Times, 3 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for palpable
Recent Examples of Synonyms for palpable
Adjective
  • Under her direction, Shoma Group has consistently turned bold ideas into tangible results, including the recent sale of Shoma Village in Hialeah for nearly $100 million.
    Nia Bowers, USA Today, 16 May 2025
  • By 2024, a sobering reality had set in: Many organizations struggled to translate AI's potential into tangible results.
    Todd James, Forbes.com, 15 May 2025
Adjective
  • Indeed, her portraits are unmistakable: characterized by saturated backdrops, tactile surfaces, and a deep reverence for Nigerian studio photography traditions that elevate her sitters to mythic status.
    Lilah Ramzi, Vogue, 7 May 2025
  • There's no official announcement time during a conclave, but there is one unmistakable signal: white smoke.
    Dan Cody, MSNBC Newsweek, 7 May 2025
Adjective
  • If the sky becomes menacing and thunder becomes audible, seek out a safe place to seek shelter.
    CA Weather Bot, Sacbee.com, 14 May 2025
  • The audible release of the pressurized gas, followed by the burning, blinding, and gasping sensation.
    Benjamin Alva Polley, Rolling Stone, 10 May 2025
Adjective
  • This gap is especially noticeable in close relationships, such as those with family and close friends, where shared understanding is critical to maintaining connection.
    Mark Travers, Forbes.com, 18 May 2025
  • But her impact was immediately noticeable, said La Jolla High Principal Chuck Podhorsky.
    Noah Lyons, San Diego Union-Tribune, 17 May 2025
Adjective
  • Despite some apparent limitations in the group, there’s a dual purpose to their playing time.
    Vahe Gregorian, Kansas City Star, 9 May 2025
  • On their way home to Melbourne, Cave claims their meal at a local pub was interrupted by an apparent interaction with Cage.
    Tyler Jenke, Billboard, 9 May 2025
Adjective
  • Indeed, there have been 50 recessions in American history, dating back to the Articles of Confederation, some mild to the point of being hardly perceptible, some devastating like the Great Recession of 2008-09 and the Covid Recession of 2020.
    Eli Amdur, Forbes.com, 10 May 2025
  • These barely perceptible shifts — caused by moving water, tectonic activity or shifting rock — offer clues about what lies beneath the planet's surface.
    Victoria Corless, Space.com, 17 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • In this new role, Lindsey will lead the strategic design and development of exhibits and physical experiences at the Amazeum and with partner institutions across the region.
    Deb Harvell, Arkansas Online, 11 May 2025
  • Two runs in the sixth came courtesy of a mental error and a physical error by the Rockies.
    Kevin Acee, San Diego Union-Tribune, 11 May 2025
Adjective
  • Toxic takeover completed a few months before, the Glazer brothers — Joel, Avie and Bryan — were attending their first match at Old Trafford as owners of Manchester United and a new way of thinking was evident.
    Laurie Whitwell, New York Times, 11 May 2025
  • Acidity dominants, as with many 2024 Bordeaux wines, but complexity is evident in this light juice with fine flavors of young red fruit.
    Tom Mullen, Forbes.com, 11 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

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

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