impalpable

adjective

im·​pal·​pa·​ble (ˌ)im-ˈpal-pə-bəl How to pronounce impalpable (audio)
Synonyms of impalpablenext
1
a
: incapable of being felt by touch : intangible
the impalpable aura of power that emanated from him— Osbert Sitwell
b
: so finely divided that no grains or grit can be felt
rock worn to an impalpable powder
2
: not readily discerned by the mind
impalpable evils
impalpability
im-ˌpal-pə-ˈbi-lə-tē How to pronounce impalpable (audio)
noun
impalpably
im-ˈpal-pə-blē How to pronounce impalpable (audio)
adverb

Synonyms

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Examples of impalpable in a Sentence

the rich colors used in the wall coverings and furniture give the room an impalpable warmth any difference between the two sound systems is impalpable to all but the most discerning audiophiles
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
The principle consists in mixing, with the sewage, quantities of lime and clay, combining with the carbonic acid of the fecal matters to form carbonate of lime, in an impalpable powder. — Mark Fischetti, Scientific American, 15 June 2022 This is the primordial key point, the impalpable idea that will finally turn out to be the engine of your business. — Xavier Preterit, Forbes, 22 Apr. 2022

Word History

First Known Use

1509, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of impalpable was in 1509

Rhymes for impalpable

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Browse Nearby Words

impale
impalpable
impanate
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Cite this Entry

“Impalpable.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/impalpable. Accessed 31 Mar. 2025.

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Kids Definition

impalpable

adjective
im·​pal·​pa·​ble (ˈ)im-ˈpal-pə-bəl How to pronounce impalpable (audio)
1
: unable to be felt by touch
the impalpable excitement of the audience
2
: not easily seen or understood
impalpable evils

Medical Definition

impalpable

adjective
im·​pal·​pa·​ble (ˈ)im-ˈpal-pə-bəl How to pronounce impalpable (audio)
1
: incapable of being felt by touch
the pulse was impalpable at the wrist
preoperative localization of impalpable breast lesions— Jane Barrett
2
: so finely divided that no grains or grit can be felt
an impalpable powder
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