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 Trump suggested that Newsom prioritized environmental symbolism over tangible action, even accusing him of choosing to protect an endangered fish over allocating water to fight fires. Abhinav Anne, Chicago Tribune, 13 Jan. 2025 The first training session meant real players, real drills and sketchy outlines gaining faces and legs and a tangible presence. Bryce Miller, San Diego Union-Tribune, 13 Jan. 2025 While negotiations appeared to gain some ground prior to the outbreak of the war in Gaza, Saudi Arabia has demanded from Israel a tangible commitment to supporting Palestinian statehood as a prerequisite for forging formal diplomatic ties. Daniel R. Depetris, Newsweek, 12 Jan. 2025 Below are three tangible and practical strategies to reduce back pain—habits that can instigate lasting change, improve spine health, and mitigate the risk of future surgical intervention. Richard Menger Md Mpa, Forbes, 1 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for tangible 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for tangible
Adjective
  • Residents and firefighters have suffered physical injuries, but doctors say the wildfires can also take a heavy mental health toll on civilians and first responders.
    Mary Kekatos, ABC News, 10 Jan. 2025
  • Common goals may be to get a handle on your anxiety, address the trauma that’s holding you back, improve your physical health, or find emotional balance.
    Elizabeth Ayoola, Essence, 10 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • And perhaps the most noticeable change: BMW eliminated the traditional gauge cluster in the dash in favor of a customizable digital version projected onto the windshield.
    Abigail Bassett, The Verge, 7 Jan. 2025
  • Erivo has long been synonymous with her nails—but her manicures were especially noticeable while promoting Wicked.
    Robyn Merrett, StyleCaster, 5 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • The excitement in Jeff Saturday’s voice is palpable through the phone.
    Brian Wacker, Chicago Tribune, 16 Jan. 2025
  • Nila’s shame about being Afghan in a world that dehumanizes Muslims is palpable on every page.
    Laila Lalami, The Atlantic, 15 Jan. 2025

Thesaurus Entries Near tangible

Cite this Entry

“Tangible.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/tangible. Accessed 21 Jan. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on tangible

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