Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective tangible contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of tangible are appreciable, palpable, perceptible, ponderable, and sensible. While all these words mean "apprehensible as real or existent," tangible suggests what is capable of being handled or grasped both physically and mentally.

no tangible evidence of UFOs

When might appreciable be a better fit than tangible?

The words appreciable and tangible can be used in similar contexts, 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 palpable instead of tangible?

The synonyms palpable and tangible are sometimes interchangeable, but 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 perceptible take the place of tangible?

Although the words perceptible and tangible have much in common, 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 is ponderable a more appropriate choice than tangible?

The meanings of ponderable and tangible largely overlap; however, ponderable suggests having definitely measurable weight or importance.

exerted a ponderable influence on world events

When could sensible be used to replace tangible?

While in some cases nearly identical to tangible, sensible applies to whatever is clearly apprehended through the senses or impresses itself strongly on the mind.

an abrupt, sensible drop in temperature

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 tangible Today, more than ever, the world needs organizations capable of combining international vision with tangible social impact. Nuri Kino, MSNBC Newsweek, 18 June 2025 There are tangible ways business leaders can bring artists into the room not just metaphorically, but structurally. 1. Stephanie Dillon, Rolling Stone, 18 June 2025 Talk about any real-world tangible things that inspired the look of this game. Destiny Jackson, Deadline, 13 June 2025 Market volatility, regulatory backlash, and reputational risk all come with tangible financial costs—costs borne not just by Musk himself, but by those who have trusted and invested in his vision. Joel Shulman, Forbes.com, 7 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for tangible
Recent Examples of Synonyms for tangible
Adjective
  • Fuel costs and physical exhaustion—combined with the general chaos that defined the Grateful Dead’s mid-’70s era—ultimately forced the band to abandon the system after less than a year, retiring it following their October 1974 shows at San Francisco’s Winterland.
    Anna Tingley, Variety, 27 June 2025
  • Draper repositioned from defining her thesis as childcare to the future of family, which includes the physical health and financial health of families, among other applications.
    Glen Luke Flanagan, Fortune, 27 June 2025
Adjective
  • Whereas androgenetic alopecia is characterized by the shrinking of hair follicles, which leads to thin, barely noticeable hair, the key indicators of CCCA are inflammation and damage to the follicles.
    Sierra Leone Starks, Allure, 24 June 2025
  • Similar parents commenting on Diwa's post said the switch made a noticeable difference in their own homes, with several sharing anecdotes of improved moods and calmer transitions to offscreen activities.
    Melissa Fleur Afshar, MSNBC Newsweek, 24 June 2025
Adjective
  • And the road rage is palpable and knuckle-clenching as a traveling salesman tries to avoid getting run off the road and killed by a vengeful big rig driver.
    Brian Truitt, USA Today, 20 June 2025
  • The cruelty and fear being inflicted by one man who did not even take the time to visit Pasadena and Altadena during, or after, the fires is palpable in our community.
    Victor M. Gordo, Time, 18 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Tangible.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/tangible. Accessed 30 Jun. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on tangible

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