palpable

adjective

ˈpal-pə-bəl How to pronounce palpable (audio)
Definition of palpablenext
1
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

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
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
3
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

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 Even in a Trump-friendly slice of Orange County, concerns about higher prices and uncertainty about the economy were palpable. —Kevinisha Walker, Los Angeles Times, 5 Apr. 2025 When the friends head to the public library to attend their first minicomics convention, their giddy, nervous excitement is palpable. —James Sturm, New York Times, 4 Apr. 2025 Fan excitement was palpable in the early innings, before the Cubs put the game out of reach with their scoring barrage. —Chris Biderman, Sacbee.com, 2 Apr. 2025 Emotions and sorrow were palpable even though Prine has been dead for nearly five years. —Rick Kogan, Chicago Tribune, 2 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for palpable
Recent Examples of Synonyms for palpable
  1. tangible
  2. unmistakable
  3. audible
  4. noticeable
  5. apparent
  6. perceptible
  7. physical
  8. evident
Adjective
  • When the focus turns to practical options, the conversations become energizing, opening the door to tangible steps that drive impact.
    — Forrester, Forbes.com, 28 Mar. 2025
  • But the benefit, if the strikes are successful, will be tangible to America.
    — Tiana Lowe Doescher, The Washington Examiner, 28 Mar. 2025
Definition of tangible
Adjective
  • Then the unmistakable gobble of a tom rattled in from our right.
    — Dave Duffey, Outdoor Life, 2 Apr. 2025
  • It had been stated before, that Starfleet ships in the 23rd century didn’t have holodecks, but suddenly here is one — that grid pattern is unmistakable — and the crew seems to be using it to solve a whodunnit, Christie-style.
    — Christian Blauvelt, IndieWire, 2 Apr. 2025
Definition of unmistakable
Adjective
  • If the sky becomes menacing and thunder becomes audible, seek out a safe place to seek shelter.
    — NC Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 7 Apr. 2025
  • The member will deactivate audible and visual emergency warning equipment (emergency lights and sirens), resume a safe speed and comply with all traffic laws.
    — Katie Moore, Kansas City Star, 7 Apr. 2025
Definition of audible
Adjective
  • Based on the study’s results, Tucker’s team believes that survivors of severe trauma may see noticeable changes in their biological systems’ baseline levels.
    — Andrew Paul, Popular Science, 10 Apr. 2025
  • Often described as a cult favorite, it is formulated to deliver noticeable results while minimizing the risk of irritation.
    — Corein Carter, Forbes.com, 9 Apr. 2025
Definition of noticeable
Adjective
  • All of the people involved in the crash appeared to be injured, police said, with the motorcyclist suffering apparent life-threatening injuries.
    — Staff report, Hartford Courant, 3 Apr. 2025
  • Wood joins his several other denizens of Middle-earth in shedding light on the apparent disparity between the franchise's astounding earnings and correspondingly low salaries for its stars.
    — Ryan Coleman, EW.com, 3 Apr. 2025
Definition of apparent
Adjective
  • The hum of an air conditioner on the wall is the only perceptible sound inside the witness room, where a curtain covers a large pane-glass window that separates us in the gallery from the death chamber.
    — Raja Krishnamoorthi, MSNBC Newsweek, 9 Apr. 2025
  • This is because oxygen levels are not directly perceptible to the brain.
    — Jenny Lehmann, Discover Magazine, 25 Mar. 2025
Definition of perceptible
Adjective
  • South Carolina went undefeated during a dominant championship run last year that featured a physical roster no opponent could match up with.
    — Alanis Thames, Chicago Tribune, 5 Apr. 2025
  • Cats require mental and physical stimulation, which is where cat trees come in.
    — BestReviews, Mercury News, 4 Apr. 2025
Definition of physical
Adjective
  • The consequences of conference realignment are already evident in the physical and mental toll on athletes and staff, and escalating carbon emissions amidst a worsening climate crisis.
    — Claire Poole, Forbes.com, 5 Apr. 2025
  • That was evident in New Orleans last year as storms like Hurricane Francine soaked the city.
    — Umair Irfan, Wired News, 5 Apr. 2025
Definition of evident

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Cite this Entry

“Palpable.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/palpable. Accessed 16 Apr. 2025.

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