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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

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 palpable The drama behind the scenes has also been palpable, as there have been rumors that Rodgers has been of remaining with the Jets in 2025. James Brizuela, Newsweek, 29 Dec. 2024 Another thing that struck me was the pride of the Colombian cast and crew, which was palpable. Annie Correal, New York Times, 29 Dec. 2024 And when one of the most romantic gestures to happen on television this year occurs — Blackthorne (Cosmo Jarvis), who not long before had begged Mariko to live for him, steps up to be her second, to free her of that sin and deal the final blow — her gratitude and love for him is palpable. Maggie Fremont, Vulture, 27 Dec. 2024 The intensity surrounding this lunar energy is palpable. Valerie Mesa, People.com, 24 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for palpable 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for palpable
Adjective
  • 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
  • This departure follows another recent decision by KTM to exit the Hard Enduro World Championship, mirroring their strategy to retract from high-cost partnerships that yield less tangible financial benefits.
    George Monastiriakos, Newsweek, 31 Dec. 2024
Adjective
  • For lovers of this unmistakable design, here’s an ode to the Tank.
    Cait Bazemore, Robb Report, 8 Jan. 2025
  • The unmistakable smell of cigar smoke hung in the air.
    Jeff Zrebiec, The Athletic, 4 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • Air raid sirens blared in the background, and the only other audible noise was the terrified whimpers of the person holding the camera.
    Vox Staff, Vox, 10 Jan. 2025
  • Pam, meanwhile, left the room to cry, which was fully audible to viewers watching at home.
    Victoria Edel, People.com, 8 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 incongruity of profit maximization was brought to public attention in the UK recently, as the scale of river pollution from water utility companies becomes ever more apparent.
    Aissa Dearing, JSTOR Daily, 9 Jan. 2025
  • Some of that was apparent in 2024 as cybersecurity incidents at UnitedHealth Group and Crowdstrike had unexpected and unprecedented impacts.
    Bob Zukis, Forbes, 9 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • The slack in the line should only be very slight, perceptible more to you than to anyone else.
    Rosalind Brown, Harper's Magazine, 2 Nov. 2024
  • To be even more nitpicky, even via the PC, after pressing play there was always a tiny, but perceptible delay before the audio immenseein, which meant the first half-second of the first track faded in.
    Benny Har-Even, Forbes, 27 Nov. 2024
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
  • This sense of mission was evident during the concert, particularly when Harfouch joined hands with Monseigneur Zani in a symbolic gesture of unity.
    Chris Gallagher, USA TODAY, 10 Jan. 2025
  • While Constellation has been known to weather all kinds of economic and political climates, the enormity of challenges lining up against the stock is evident in its more than 16% single-session decline at one stage during Friday trading near $180.
    Zev Fima, CNBC, 10 Jan. 2025

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Thesaurus Entries Near palpable

Cite this Entry

“Palpable.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/palpable. Accessed 17 Jan. 2025.

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