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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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
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
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The relaxed silhouette has the same easygoing feel, and the floral print adds personality without feeling unwearable.
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The watershed decision triggered a period of political instability and economic upheaval that is still being felt a decade later.
Verb
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Samples from the pockets of Walton’s jeans were tested and the results showed the one that was turned inside likely had been touched by Shockley, but not by Powell.
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Notable deaths in 2026 A look back at the esteemed personalities who left us this year, who touched us with their innovation, creativity and humanity.
Verb
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Zillow says that a pale pink bathroom could lose you up to $6,013, while a pale pink kitchen shaves an extra $4,201 off potential buyers' offers.
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The Supreme Court ruled that a Louisiana prisoner whose dreadlocks were forcibly shaved off by prison guards cannot sue them under a federal law designed to protect the religious rights of prisoners.
Verb
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Benji separated from Zack, patted the spot on the bed between them, and then opened up his arm as an invitation.
-
Next, apply a lipstick or lip stain with a matte finish—ideally patted on with your fingers—to finish it off.
Cite this Entry
“Palpate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/palpate. Accessed 28 Jun. 2026.
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