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 And all week long, the build-up to the Full Moon Total Lunar Eclipse in Pisces on September 7th is palpable. Dossé-Via Trenou, Refinery29, 31 Aug. 2025 Expect tear-inducing moments, soaring poetry and palpable romance, all courtesy of stars Jessie Buckley and Paul Mescal. Jack Smart, People.com, 31 Aug. 2025 And there's a palpable sense of outrage about using the forces of military, again, to police people. Scott Simon, NPR, 30 Aug. 2025 In fact, both sides have stated a palpable disdain for each other. Shreyas Laddha, Kansas City Star, 30 Aug. 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
  • This new direction appears to be driven by a focus on non-interventionism overseas, unless deemed necessary to protect immediate and tangible American interests, and a skepticism of efforts to promote political change in other states.
    Time, Time, 3 Sep. 2025
  • Today, digital interactions rule, but Jacobs’ company is betting on a tangible item that people can hold, share and collect.
    R. Daniel Foster, Forbes.com, 3 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • The timetable is phased with equal pricing in 2025 and VoP on a staggered schedule through 2027–28, but the strategic direction is unmistakable.
    Zennon Kapron, Forbes.com, 17 Aug. 2025
  • The entrance is unmistakable—just look for the giant lion’s head.
    Kim Kay, Travel + Leisure, 17 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • If the sky becomes menacing and thunder becomes audible, seek out a safe place to seek shelter.
    CA Weather Bot, Sacbee.com, 7 Sep. 2025
  • Festival audiences responded with emotional intensity, including visible tears and audible gasps during the screening.
    Clayton Davis, Variety, 6 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • After a noticeable drop in school attendance due to SEPTA cuts in the first week of the new school year, the city directed a portion of its $135 million transit subsidy to restore bus and trolley service on routes that are heavily used by students.
    Kelly Phillips Erb, Forbes.com, 4 Sep. 2025
  • The ears of a young ram are more noticeable than those of an old ram, whose ears are largely concealed by the massive horns.
    Tim Kelly, Outdoor Life, 4 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Still, sometimes the heat is impossible to ignore — evident in the small sweat stains on Dinkel’s blue collared shirt.
    Ashley Miznazi, Miami Herald, 5 Sep. 2025
  • The football landscape has changed 20 years on, and 10 new signings show United wanted to change the squad, but there is evident faith in retaining the nucleus of Farke’s 2025 centurions.
    Beren Cross, New York Times, 5 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • With a barely perceptible lurch, the airboat hurdled the canal bank and seemed to hover above it.
    Nathaniel Rich, Harpers Magazine, 20 Aug. 2025
  • This is especially perceptible in states where linguistic and cultural identities have long been a point of pride, such as Tamil Nadu.
    YAMINI AIYAR, Foreign Affairs, 23 July 2025
Adjective
  • The iPhone 17 is set to be the fourth gen of Apple smartphones without a physical SIM card slot in the US.
    PC Magazine, PC Magazine, 8 Sep. 2025
  • Even today, thousands of its physical records are stored in former limestone mines in Missouri and Pennsylvania.
    Eli Hager, ProPublica, 8 Sep. 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Podcast

Cite this Entry

“Palpable.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/palpable. Accessed 9 Sep. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on palpable

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

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