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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

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 palpable Impressions of the week: London Fashion Week radiated a palpable sense of optimism and excitement, undeterred by the typical February weather. Tianwei Zhang, WWD, 25 Feb. 2025 The stage production was truly a family affair, and the cast chemistry was palpable. Shelby Stewart, Essence, 25 Feb. 2025 The backlash from educators has been understandably one of outrage, and the chill is palpable. Brennan Barnard, Forbes, 21 Feb. 2025 The pride athletes have brought representing their country — which is so often left at home by players in other professional sports’ All-Star Games — is palpable this tournament. Lauren Merola, The Athletic, 20 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for palpable
Recent Examples of Synonyms for palpable
Adjective
  • Craft Viral Moments, Blame Biden Yet some early scenes Tuesday vividly demonstrated the difficulty Democrats, progressives and everyday citizens face in marshaling a tangible response to Trump and the swift, sweeping actions of his second administration.
    TIME, TIME, 4 Mar. 2025
  • And one other challenge the company faces is funding – something that the realization of CL1 as a tangible, usable technology might change.
    New Atlas, New Atlas, 3 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • Although the translations into English are awkward, especially across the differences in poetic rhyme scheme and structure, the sentiment is unmistakable.
    Eli Amdur, Forbes, 8 Mar. 2025
  • Charismatic slacker Raj and uptight striver Mir aren’t just foils for each other; their mutual love is unmistakable, which gives weight to the looming prospect that the stress of salvaging Baba’s empire could tear them apart.
    Judy Berman, TIME, 6 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • Boom says its analysis has found that no audible sonic boom reached the ground during the flight.
    Maureen O'Hare, CNN, 3 Mar. 2025
  • And yes, the sound is audible outside the car, too.
    Scotty Reiss, Forbes, 28 Feb. 2025
Adjective
  • All of that increases the odds that the trade war will be more visible to Americans, disrupting supply chains and causing noticeable price hikes for certain items.
    Neil Irwin, Axios, 5 Mar. 2025
  • There’s a wide range of cases available, with different aspects and capabilities—including some that partly overcome the 16e’s noticeable oversight: no MagSafe.
    David Phelan, Forbes, 5 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • Elvia Anaya, administrative specialist at Omni Laundry, told Rivet that the upsides of producing in L.A. are readily apparent.
    Kate Nishimura, Sourcing Journal, 10 Mar. 2025
  • On a separate note, a major situation around fertility or a child could be apparent.
    Kyle Thomas, People.com, 9 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • Because far-off stars would be static over successive nights, nearer, moving objects would stand out against the backdrop — but, for an object as distant as Pluto, the motion would be barely perceptible.
    John Loeffler, Space.com, 18 Feb. 2025
  • By modernizing systems and processes where unnecessary friction exists, the healthcare industry can make improvements that have a perceptible impact on those delivering and receiving care.
    Amanda Eisel, Forbes, 14 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • New technology such as genetic sequencing of environmental DNA and real-time imaging is making the identification of new marine species quicker and easier, but scientists still rely on collecting physical specimens for confirmation, which can be slow work, Taylor said.
    Katie Hunt, CNN, 11 Mar. 2025
  • His putative allies are, after all, terrified of harassment and physical violence from the army of released insurrectionists that Trump all but commands himself.
    Faisal Kutty, Newsweek, 11 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • The foreign policy shift was evident, as European leaders visited Trump this week at the White House to talk about reaching an agreement to end the war in Ukraine.
    Domenico Montanaro, NPR, 28 Feb. 2025
  • In fact, sensuality is its muse, which is evident in the aphrodisiac-esque notes.
    Celia Shatzman, Forbes, 28 Feb. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Palpable.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/palpable. Accessed 14 Mar. 2025.

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