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 Administration officials previously told CNN the president is growing increasingly frustrated with the lack of tangible progress in peace talks to end the war. Lauren Kent, CNN Money, 12 Sep. 2025 In particular, Washington’s turn against prioritizing the fight against climate change — one of the signature pieces of legislation signed by Trump’s predecessor aimed to accelerate adoption of green tech — has had consequences, both tangible and intangible for the energy transition. Prashant Rao, semafor.com, 12 Sep. 2025 To him, gold is a command center—a tangible, sovereign store of value that can serve as the foundation for trusts, portfolios, tax strategies, philanthropic giving, and geopolitical insulation. William Jones, USA Today, 11 Sep. 2025 Whether or not the prize for landing astronauts on the moon for the first time in the 21st century is a favorable shift in geopolitical dynamics, there may be tangible goals within reach on the moon. Andrew Jones, Space.com, 9 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for tangible
Recent Examples of Synonyms for tangible
Adjective
  • While there was not much to be excited about for Giants fans, the rookie running back continued to become a fan favorite with his physical running style.
    Mark Kern, MSNBC Newsweek, 22 Sep. 2025
  • Twelve months and one promotion on, Sunderland have added physical height, speed and experience.
    Michael Walker, New York Times, 22 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • When compared with the DeathAdder V4 Pro, the difference is slight but noticeable.
    PC Magazine, PC Magazine, 18 Sep. 2025
  • The New Shape of the Curve Year-to-date production growth for 2025 marks a noticeable deceleration compared to the peak shale boom years, when annual growth often ran in the double digits.
    Robert Rapier, Forbes.com, 18 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Advertisement Susan Harris is rarely mentioned alongside Lucille Ball, Carol Burnett, or Mary Tyler Moore, but her contribution and influence on television comedy is palpable through the enduring legacy of The Golden Girls.
    Time, Time, 17 Sep. 2025
  • The choice Task makes to soften Ruffalo’s natural affability and presence in favor of Pelphrey’s Robbie—who transmits anger and despair with palpable, desperate energy—is a fascinating one, requiring humility from one actor and intense commitment from the other.
    Sophie Gilbert, The Atlantic, 17 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Once your strands soak it all up, you’re left with a touchable texture that holds its shape while staying soft.
    Christa Joanna Lee, Allure, 10 Sep. 2025
  • Tuck the braids under the remaining length and secure with pins, then seal your style with a shine-boosting hairspray like Bumble and Bumble’s Spray de Mode for soft, touchable texture.
    Karina Hoshikawa, Refinery29, 10 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Tangible.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/tangible. Accessed 23 Sep. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on tangible

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