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

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 tangible Starting in a modest 10x10 room in Culver City, Valdez and his team turned a bold idea into a tangible reality. Kyle J. Russell, USA TODAY, 14 Dec. 2024 ByteDance rebutted those allegations in its lawsuit, arguing there has been no tangible evidence that the app poses any security risk and filed a lawsuit against the Justice Department in May. Steven Portnoy, ABC News, 13 Dec. 2024 One tangible explanation for Callas losing her voice was her dermatomyositis diagnosis in 1975, a somewhat rare disease that causes muscle inflammation, difficulty swallowing, shortness of breath, weight loss, and more. Declan Gallagher, EW.com, 12 Dec. 2024 There’s a tangible sense of care in those earliest works. Jaron Lanier, WIRED, 10 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for tangible 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for tangible
Adjective
  • Outfielder Braden Montgomery, the 12th pick in the 2024 draft, is a high-upside play, a switch hitter one evaluator described as a physical freak.
    Ken Rosenthal, The Athletic, 12 Dec. 2024
  • The physical embodiment of that is also in The Wizard and I.
    Baz Bamigboye, Deadline, 11 Dec. 2024
Adjective
  • But his rhetoric has taken a noticeable rightward turn in the weeks since Trump’s election victory, particularly on immigration, with Adams boosting the president-elect’s platform and appearing enthusiastic about the incoming administration.
    Anthony Izaguirre and Jake Offenhartz, Los Angeles Times, 7 Dec. 2024
  • In Sunday’s episode (Dec. 1), Moss wore sunglasses after fans showed concern after the Pro Football Hall of Famer appeared on television with a noticeable yellowish tint in his eyes.
    DeMicia Inman, VIBE.com, 6 Dec. 2024
Adjective
  • Bouncing around Midcoast and Southern Maine during this pivotal change moment, the hope in the air among many locals was palpable.
    Raja Krishnamoorthi, Newsweek, 16 Dec. 2024
  • Perhaps because this was their last show together before taking a break as a band, the seriousness with which the members approached this performance was palpable.
    Billboard Japan, Billboard, 16 Dec. 2024

Thesaurus Entries Near tangible

Cite this Entry

“Tangible.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/tangible. Accessed 22 Dec. 2024.

More from Merriam-Webster on tangible

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