palpate

as in to feel
medical to examine (part of the body) by touching it The doctor palpated his ribs to see if there was any tenderness.

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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 palpate Labor in healthcare includes taking down medical histories, making diagnoses, lifting patients, removing lumps, palpating livers, writing notes, processing claims and comforting patients. Kevin Vigilante, Forbes.com, 15 Apr. 2025 Expect a thorough exam, during which the provider will palpate (touch) the bicep, check for swelling or tenderness, and assess your range of motion and strength. Sarah Jividen, Health, 11 Oct. 2024 At your prenatal visits, your doctor or midwife will check your baby's position by palpating or feeling your belly to find the baby’s head, back, and bottom. Donna Murray, Rn, Parents, 25 July 2024 The lead veterinarian, Cristina Buitrago, knelt and palpated the hippo’s abdomen to feel for his testicles, located in the inguinal canal. Joshua Hammer, Smithsonian Magazine, 24 June 2024 Providers may need to use special techniques during manual cancer exams in people with obesity, like when palpating larger breasts or performing a rectal exam. Claire Bugos, Verywell Health, 19 Jan. 2024 Kuang’s narrative palpates the nuances of cultural performance and writerly ethics, finally concluding that all authors steal for material anyway. Zoe Hu, Washington Post, 12 May 2023
Recent Examples of Synonyms for palpate
Verb
  • Professional ambitions feel at odds with relationship needs.
    USA TODAY, USA Today, 29 Sep. 2025
  • So when McCoy jumped a route and intercepted a pass from Appalachian State quarterback AJ Swann on Saturday night, seeing nothing but 26 yards of open blue turf and the orange end zone ahead of him, the ensuing pick-six felt like a pressurized balloon was burst.
    Shaun Goodwin, Idaho Statesman, 28 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Yet if Love’s last pass had stayed in the air a tick longer, the owner’s feet, at least in a metaphorical sense, may not have touched the ground for a long, long time.
    Michael Silver, New York Times, 29 Sep. 2025
  • The eye mask is offered in seven colors, feels cool to touch, and is machine washable for easy care.
    L. Daniela Alvarez, Better Homes & Gardens, 29 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • The efficiencies gained through the unique printing process also help save resources, and can shave off costs.
    Kate Nishimura, Sourcing Journal, 30 Sep. 2025
  • Over the course of a career, fees this high can shave tens of thousands (if not hundreds of thousands) off a teacher's retirement savings.
    Steve Hruby, Cincinnati Enquirer, 29 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • The clip, shared by Sarah Ingle (@saraheingle), a dedicated dog fosterer, shows seven-month-old Cookie Crisps nestled in her arms while Ingle gently pats her bottom.
    Lucy Notarantonio, MSNBC Newsweek, 1 Oct. 2025
  • Both teams patted the star wideout on the back after he was loaded onto the cart.
    Miami Herald, Miami Herald, 30 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Palpate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/palpate. Accessed 6 Oct. 2025.

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