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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 When the festival returned to New Orleans in 2007, the pain the people of the city felt was palpable. Asha Bandele, Essence, 25 June 2025 The sense of community and camaraderie is palpable. Christopher Arnott, Hartford Courant, 25 June 2025 Trump’s frustration was palpable, using an expletive to hammer home his point. Sam Mednick, Chicago Tribune, 24 June 2025 New economic ties with the outside world could help stem the tide and create prosperity, but fears of Western ideological infiltration were especially palpable in Guangdong because of its proximity to the British colony. Joseph Torigian, Foreign Affairs, 23 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for palpable
Recent Examples of Synonyms for palpable
Adjective
  • As tokenized investing becomes a tangible reality for millions, the lines between centralized brokerages and decentralized protocols are blurring—setting a high bar for the next generation of financial platforms.
    Sandy Carter, Forbes.com, 1 July 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 July 2025
Adjective
  • So now, many Mexicans and Mexican Americans are choosing to be seen in the loudest, most unmistakable way: by wearing their culture on their sleeves—literally.
    Daisy Maldonado, Vogue, 8 July 2025
  • The display of might outside was unmistakable, as was the soft power inside the building.
    Andrew J. Campa Follow, Los Angeles Times, 6 July 2025
Adjective
  • If the sky becomes menacing and thunder becomes audible, seek out a safe place to seek shelter.
    NC Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 1 July 2025
  • Multiple aviation experts The Times spoke with pointed to the distinct sound audible in the video shot from a nearby rooftop as evidence for likely deployment of the flight’s emergency power generator.
    Mika Gröndahl, New York Times, 28 June 2025
Adjective
  • The ribbed texture is noticeable, but not too thick, and the contouring on the back and front could not be more flattering.
    Katie Jackson, Travel + Leisure, 6 July 2025
  • The team issued an advisory noting that residents in nearby communities may see a noticeable increase in smoke July 5 coming from the southwest flank of the Oak Ridge Fire.
    Arlyssa D. Becenti, AZCentral.com, 5 July 2025
Adjective
  • The Turchin family’s lifelong passion for art and design was evident across all the rooms.
    Kate Van Dyke, Travel + Leisure, 28 June 2025
  • That reality is evident almost just from the scale.
    Justin Worland, Time, 27 June 2025
Adjective
  • The caffeine buzz off a Gorgie drink is gentle but perceptible, and Cordeiro Grant found it through trial and error.
    BYAllie Garfinkle, Fortune, 29 Apr. 2025
  • GlobalData’s monthly report on prospects for the Western Europe auto market pointed to stagnation in 2025 with a barely perceptible 0.5% gain to 11.5 million, after an unchanged 2024.
    Neil Winton, Forbes.com, 15 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Social isolation, depression, and lack of physical activity are each risk factors for dementia.
    Brian Mastroianni, Health, 27 June 2025
  • Fuel costs and physical exhaustion—combined with the general chaos that defined the Grateful Dead’s mid-’70s era—ultimately forced the band to abandon the system after less than a year, retiring it following their October 1974 shows at San Francisco’s Winterland.
    Anna Tingley, Variety, 27 June 2025
Adjective
  • The disconnect is apparent: students want to build careers around emerging technology, but traditional education isn’t teaching them how.
    Sarah Hernholm, Forbes.com, 8 July 2025
  • The apparent docking of the two satellites last week suggests SJ-21 is the target for SJ-25's refueling demonstration, and US officials are watching.
    ArsTechnica, ArsTechnica, 8 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Palpable.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/palpable. Accessed 11 Jul. 2025.

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