TANGIBLE Synonyms: 40 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

tangible

adjective

ˈtan-jə-bəl

Definition of tangible next

as in physical

capable of being perceived by the sense of touch a firm belief in the existence of the soul, even though it is not at all tangible

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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

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 tangible When a stock is trading at a single-digit P/E ratio and a discount to its peers — the price to tangible book value per share is about 26% cheaper than the average for the group — an upside earnings surprise can create an above-average move. —

Michael Khouw, CNBC, 22 Jan. 2025 If the Cowboys feel that Schottenheimer is the best candidate for the job for tangible, explanatory reasons, that’s one thing. —

Saad Yousuf, The Athletic, 22 Jan. 2025 This Holy Land pilgrimage built a tradition of Christians not just visiting the holy sites but also returning with tangible souvenirs, such as a stone from the Holy Land, water from a well, or even a piece of cloth or a statue that touched Christ’s tomb. —

Virginia Raguin, The Conversation, 21 Jan. 2025 By turning sobering themes into something tangible—like sweet-and-spicy jerky or a playful pink bun—brands tap into the tension between indulgence and introspection. —

Stephanie Gravalese, Forbes, 15 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for tangible

Recent Examples of Synonyms for tangible

Adjective

Wicker pointed to Samantha Hegseth’s statement denying that there was any physical abuse in the relationship.

— Alexander Bolton, The Hill, 22 Jan. 2025
There are no injuries to manage at the moment, but the physical rigors that come with an 82-game season require constant rehabilitation, extra time on the training table.

— Sam Amick, The Athletic, 22 Jan. 2025