Synonyms of tangible

tangible

adjective

ˈtan-jə-bəl 

as in physical

capable of being perceived by the sense of touch

a firm belief in the existence of the soul, even though it is not at all tangible

Synonyms & Similar Words

• physical
• noticeable
• palpable
• touchable
• visible
• tactile
• real
• actual
• substantial
• corporeal
• observable
• perceptible
• discernible
• concrete
• embodied
• appreciable
• existent
• detectable
• seeable
• material
• sensible

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• intangible
• immaterial
• impalpable
• spiritual
• abstract
• insubstantial
• incorporeal
• nonphysical
• virtual
• nonmaterial
• unsubstantial
• formless
• unreal
• bodiless
• ethereal
• imperceptible
• unbodied
• insensible

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

Recent Examples of tangible

And last year’s wrongs have not yet been righted in any tangible way. —Sam Blum, New York Times, 14 Feb. 2026

His family might never know all the details, but Bouzid gives the audience tangible knowledge of his passions and misgivings, accomplishing that by observing the five female characters in his orbit, and so the mystery of all their lives is fully revealed. —Murtada Elfadl, Variety, 13 Feb. 2026

Items like these serve as tangible evidence that pollution generated by human industry does not stay near the surface or close to shore. —Ryan Brennan, Kansas City Star, 13 Feb. 2026

The overlap between an artistic scene, a demographic wave, and a political movement was being made visible and tangible. —Spencer Kornhaber, The Atlantic, 11 Feb. 2026