Definition of palpablenext
1
2
3

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 That want for breathable air was palpable when Pum and other organizers went around the area distributing masks to adults and children. Carlos De Loera, Los Angeles Times, 26 June 2026 The energy was palpable as supporters sang songs connected to Iraq, lifted creative signs while letting out red and green flares. Amy Lawrence, New York Times, 26 June 2026 The energy is palpable as children eagerly select fresh produce, sharing stories about how their families would use onions or carrots in their meals. Regina Harmon, Baltimore Sun, 25 June 2026 Frowning, fidgeting, and exchanging furtive glances—the crowd’s unease was palpable. Benjamin Skuse, IEEE Spectrum, 25 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for palpable
Recent Examples of Synonyms for palpable
Adjective
  • The new hub will rely on Flowcode, a company that generates customizable QR codes that can be updated in real time and often feature colors and other elements that help make the advertiser using it more distinguishable from similar efforts.
    Brian Steinberg, Variety, 22 June 2026
  • Three is very distinguishable from four.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 18 June 2026
Adjective
  • While other employers are pulling back on junior-level hiring, real estate firms are continuing to invest in business functions that lead to tangible growth.
    Emma Burleigh, Fortune, 28 June 2026
  • The need to shift military resources away from the front to protect other areas is the most tangible way in which Ukraine’s drone campaign has changed Moscow’s military calculus, one of the biggest successes of the strategy.
    Brady Knox, The Washington Examiner, 28 June 2026
Adjective
  • This band may have created millions of fans, but its influence on the 80s rock music is unmistakable.
    Fort Worth Star-Telegram, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 29 June 2026
  • The warning delivered by this year’s primaries is unmistakable.
    Bobby Zirkin, Baltimore Sun, 29 June 2026
Adjective
  • As soon as one influence is audible, Cold Court throws in a noisy interlude, then a surprisingly poppy section, and then a funk breakdown.
    Hannah Jocelyn, Pitchfork, 22 June 2026
  • If the sky becomes menacing and thunder becomes audible, seek out a safe place to seek shelter.
    NC Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 22 June 2026
Adjective
  • Evolutionary cues, emotional encoding and genetics all converge in how partners experience each other’s smell, and a noticeable shift in that experience may be worth paying attention to.
    Lauren Jarvis-Gibson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 23 June 2026
  • After 12 weeks, the results suggested that a tiny dose of regular exercise could yield noticeable physical benefits.
    Khloe Quill, FOXNews.com, 23 June 2026
Adjective
  • Eiglarsh added that while the suffering of the families was evident throughout the trial, the defense successfully argued that the crash was a tragic accident.
    Nikiya Carrero, CBS News, 24 June 2026
  • As part of this shift, Cuban officers are opting to train soldiers in guerrilla tactics rather than conventional warfare — a strategic departure corroborated by Cancian that is also evident in the footage.
    Avery Schmitz, CNN Money, 24 June 2026
Adjective
  • Much of this glazing has been retrofitted with an ultraviolet dot pattern that’s hardly perceptible to us but lifesaving for birds.
    Edward Keegan, Chicago Tribune, 28 June 2026
  • Many of today’s most prominent artists are focused on rendering vast, abstract, and often invisible systems perceptible—often by scaling them down to something more sensible while still gesturing toward their magnitude.
    Emily Watlington, ARTnews.com, 24 May 2026
Adjective
  • In the absence of an official investigation, the incident last September has been magnified, and perhaps embellished, in the minds of veterans living on the campus, a community defined by the vulnerability of physical disability, substance use and trauma.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 26 June 2026
  • Doulas practice across the country to assist patients before, during, and after childbirth, particularly with their emotional and physical needs.
    Anna Halkidis, Parents, 26 June 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Podcast

Cite this Entry

“Palpable.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/palpable. Accessed 1 Jul. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on palpable

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster