as in touching
medical
to examine (part of the body) by touching it
The doctor palpated his ribs to see if there was any tenderness.
Related Words
Relevance
Example Sentences
Recent Examples of Synonyms for palpating
Verb
-
The Israeli security establishment is specifically concerned about an interim deal that would extend the ceasefire, reopen the Strait of Hormuz, and ease economic pressure on Iran without touching the nuclear file altogether.—
Tal Shalev,
CNN Money,
12 May 2026 -
For all the reheated ’90s rave euphoria in pop and club music, a new generation are recognizing the touching optimism that has remained trapped in Tomorrowland aftermovies until now.—
Nathan Evans,
Pitchfork,
12 May 2026
Verb
-
Towns spoke openly about feeling lost in Brown’s system, and Brown called out Towns for poor effort.—
Louisa Thomas,
New Yorker,
10 May 2026
-
Each person will then be given a level of risk, and a corresponding action plan, which will include a daily temperature check for 42 days and a daily assessment for any signs of feeling sick.—
Mary Whitfill Roeloffs,
Forbes.com,
10 May 2026
Verb
-
This awesome little robovac-mop is literally shaving a full workday a week off her already insane I'm-a-mom schedule.—
Joe Salas
May 09,
New Atlas,
9 May 2026
-
Sobbing while shaving head in…what’s that movie?—
Bethy Squires,
Vulture,
9 May 2026
Verb
-
Brush rib slabs with oil; sprinkle evenly with spice mixture, gently patting to adhere.—
Jasmine Smith,
Southern Living,
9 May 2026
-
Kids love the hands-on steps here — scooping soil, patting it down around the plants and writing Grandma’s name on a tag.—
Lauren Jarvis-Gibson,
Sacbee.com,
28 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
In April, O’Reilly’s opener was an unchallenged header in the six-yard box after brushing off Santos.—
Cerys Jones,
New York Times,
13 May 2026
-
The scribble art was placed right in the bend of her knee, with some of the design just barely brushing her lower thigh.—
Kara Nesvig,
Allure,
11 May 2026
Verb
-
Woodpeckers are well-known for their ability to locate insects concealed within wood by tapping and listening for changes in resonance.—
Scott Travers,
Forbes.com,
10 May 2026
-
His only memories as a child are of me tapping away at a keyboard in the basement, creating Ask the Builder columns and website pages.—
Tim Carter,
Hartford Courant,
9 May 2026
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.
Cite this Entry
“Palpating.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/palpating. Accessed 16 May. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
