PALPABLE Synonyms: 166 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How does the adjective 'palpable' contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of palpable are appreciable , perceptible , ponderable , sensible , and tangible . While all these words mean "apprehensible as real or existent," palpable applies either to what has physical substance or to what is obvious and unmistakable. // the tension in the air was almost palpable

Q: In what contexts can 'appreciable' take the place of 'palpable'?

The synonyms appreciable and palpable are sometimes interchangeable, but appreciable applies to what is distinctly discernible by the senses or definitely measurable. // an appreciable increase in income

Q: When is it sensible to use 'perceptible' instead of 'palpable'?

While the synonyms perceptible and palpable are close in meaning, perceptible applies to what can be discerned by the senses often to a minimal extent. // a perceptible difference in sound to a careful listener

Q: When can 'ponderable' be used instead of 'palpable'?

In some situations, the words ponderable and palpable are roughly equivalent. However, ponderable suggests having definitely measurable weight or importance. // exerted a ponderable influence on world events

Q: When might 'sensible' be a better fit than 'palpable'?

Although the words sensible and palpable have much in common, sensible applies to whatever is clearly apprehended through the senses or impresses itself strongly on the mind. // an abrupt, sensible drop in temperature

Q: When is 'tangible' a more appropriate choice than 'palpable'?

The words tangible and palpable are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, tangible suggests what is capable of being handled or grasped both physically and mentally. // no tangible evidence of UFOs

palpable

adjective

ˈpal-pə-bəl

Definition of palpable next

as in distinguishable

able to be perceived by a sense or by the mind the tension in the negotiating room was palpable

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in tangible

capable of being perceived by the sense of touch a small but palpable lump in my neck

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in unmistakable

not subject to misinterpretation or more than one interpretation a palpable case of lying under oath

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective palpable contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of palpable are appreciable, perceptible, ponderable, sensible, and tangible. While all these words mean "apprehensible as real or existent," 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 appreciable take the place of palpable?

The synonyms appreciable and palpable are sometimes interchangeable, 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 perceptible instead of palpable?

While the synonyms perceptible and palpable are close in meaning, 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 can ponderable be used instead of palpable?

In some situations, the words ponderable and palpable are roughly equivalent. However, ponderable suggests having definitely measurable weight or importance.

exerted a ponderable influence on world events

When might sensible be a better fit than palpable?

Although the words sensible and palpable have much in common, sensible applies to whatever is clearly apprehended through the senses or impresses itself strongly on the mind.

an abrupt, sensible drop in temperature

When is tangible a more appropriate choice than palpable?

The words tangible and palpable are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, tangible suggests what is capable of being handled or grasped both physically and mentally.

no tangible evidence of UFOs

Examples 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 palpable That ebullience is palpable on the ground as Shapiro makes his way on the convention floor, flanked by two bodyguards. —

Seth Abramovitch, The Hollywood Reporter, 13 Jan. 2025 The tension with her coach, Brad Gilbert, was palpable. —

Louisa Thomas, The New Yorker, 12 Jan. 2025 Its themes of love lost, anger, regret and emotionally flailing in the wind are palpable. —

George Varga, The Mercury News, 12 Jan. 2025 The energy surrounding the team has been palpable both on the court and behind the scenes while Christie has instilled a belief in the team that has helped flip the script on a season that seemed to be on the brink. —

Chris Biderman, Sacramento Bee, 11 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for palpable

Recent Examples of Synonyms for palpable

Adjective

Continental notes were not backed by tangible assets such as gold or silver, but by the trust and promise of the new nation.

— Joel Thayer, Newsweek, 27 Jan. 2025
With its advanced technologies, strategic expansion in the U.S., and focus on clean hydrogen, the company is making tangible strides toward a more sustainable future.

— Chris Gallagher, USA TODAY, 25 Jan. 2025