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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 The tension between these coming-togethers and alienations from self and others is palpable, although nothing of real significance happens. Matthew Clark Davison, Literary Hub, 3 July 2025 The two communist giants had border clashes in 1969, and Beijing’s anxiety about facing off against both of the world’s superpowers was palpable. William Hurst, Foreign Affairs, 3 July 2025 Regardless of what happened on Broadway, Hobbs said the fear among employees was palpable. Mackensy Lunsford, The Tennessean, 2 July 2025 This feeling of place and belonging is palpable, even to those who are merely passing through. Jennifer Prince, Southern Living, 28 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for palpable
Recent Examples of Synonyms for palpable
Adjective
  • There’s a common uncertainty around where to begin and a lingering question: What real, tangible value will AI bring to the table?
    Steve Cangiano, Forbes.com, 14 July 2025
  • That growth is mainly driven by the bank’s focus on increasing its tangible book value and dividends per share.
    TipRanks.com Staff, CNBC, 13 July 2025
Adjective
  • So now, many Mexicans and Mexican Americans are choosing to be seen in the loudest, most unmistakable way: by wearing their culture on their sleeves—literally.
    Daisy Maldonado, Vogue, 8 July 2025
  • The display of might outside was unmistakable, as was the soft power inside the building.
    Andrew J. Campa Follow, Los Angeles Times, 6 July 2025
Adjective
  • If the sky becomes menacing and thunder becomes audible, seek out a safe place to seek shelter.
    NC Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 13 July 2025
  • The storm had rolled in fast, and Delia noted that no audible alarms warned players to seek shelter.
    Devlina Sarkar, MSNBC Newsweek, 11 July 2025
Adjective
  • The ribbed texture is noticeable, but not too thick, and the contouring on the back and front could not be more flattering.
    Katie Jackson, Travel + Leisure, 6 July 2025
  • The team issued an advisory noting that residents in nearby communities may see a noticeable increase in smoke July 5 coming from the southwest flank of the Oak Ridge Fire.
    Arlyssa D. Becenti, AZCentral.com, 5 July 2025
Adjective
  • The club’s communication has not helped, though noticeable strides in transparency have been evident since the saga of Alvarez’s undiagnosed hand fracture.
    Chandler Rome, New York Times, 10 July 2025
  • In a sense, that was evident a week ago, when the Hornets’ rookie class inked their respective contracts.
    Roderick Boone, Charlotte Observer, 10 July 2025
Adjective
  • The assault could well result in a perceptible slowing of progress in the fight against cancer.
    Rachana Pradhan, CNN Money, 8 July 2025
  • If nothing else, the [faintly] perceptible downturn in flight from the bundle suggests that an inviolate core of some 30 million to 35 million sports enthusiasts may remain locked into the bundle when the last of the general-interest crowd has ditched pay-TV for the sprawling glut of streaming.
    Anthony Crupi, Sportico.com, 20 June 2025
Adjective
  • When opposition attackers launch the ball in his penalty area, John makes full use of his physical presence and 6ft 5in (196cm) frame.
    Matt Pyzdrowski, New York Times, 9 July 2025
  • This year, Boissy was visibly in the best physical condition of his career, armed with a different mental approach to the game that fuelled his MVP run.
    Sindiswa Mabunda, Forbes.com, 9 July 2025
Adjective
  • Separately, Russia’s transport minister was found dead in what authorities said was an apparent suicide — news that broke hours after the Kremlin announced he had been dismissed by Putin.
    Aamer Madhani, Chicago Tribune, 8 July 2025
  • The disconnect is apparent: students want to build careers around emerging technology, but traditional education isn’t teaching them how.
    Sarah Hernholm, Forbes.com, 8 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Palpable.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/palpable. Accessed 19 Jul. 2025.

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