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 Enjoy the experience of turning your favorite shots into lasting, tangible keepsakes with this pocket-friendly printer. New Atlas, 4 Nov. 2024 This is where creativity meets purpose, with tangible opportunities to influence how our stories are told in mainstream media. Kimberly Wilson, Essence, 3 Nov. 2024 In California, sales tax applies to purchases of tangible personal property. Mercury News & East Bay Times Editorial, The Mercury News, 1 Nov. 2024 Building on the work of the Biden administration, a Harris administration could further expand the United States’ and its partners’ private-sector and government contributions in these areas, producing tangible economic benefits across the world. Linda Robinson, Foreign Affairs, 31 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for tangible 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for tangible
Adjective
  • In contrast, marijuana has not been linked to the same level of severe physical health consequences.
    Tribune Content Agency, The Mercury News, 14 Nov. 2024
  • Collins has introduced several changes meant to monetize the business, including subscriptions, organized live events, and bringing back physical copies of the paper and its television parody, the Onion News Network.
    Erik Ortiz, NBC News, 14 Nov. 2024
Adjective
  • Related Articles There are some minor and barely noticeable physical improvements over previous models, such as a slightly less prominent camera bump in the back.
    Larry Magid, The Mercury News, 7 Nov. 2024
  • Other experiments are less noticeable but nonetheless consequential: by increasing early voting, for example, states have observed changes in who participates in elections, including those previously left out of the process.
    Jenna Bednar, Foreign Affairs, 5 Nov. 2024
Adjective
  • The urgency is palpable, as entire parts of the species chain are being removed.
    Simon Perry, People.com, 5 Nov. 2024
  • His contempt for the review, and for being asked about it, is palpable.
    Rachel Corbett, Vulture, 5 Nov. 2024

Thesaurus Entries Near tangible

Cite this Entry

“Tangible.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/tangible. Accessed 21 Nov. 2024.

More from Merriam-Webster on tangible

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