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 Officers responded immediately, but the heightened anxiety from the fight was palpable. —William Melhado, Sacbee.com, 10 Apr. 2025 No look has to be permanent, and with 2025’s most popular looks leaning into avant-garde classics, taking your hair to a new height is this season’s most palpable trends. —India Espy-Jones, Essence, 9 Apr. 2025 The mutual devotion – both from the screaming fans and Parton herself – was palpable. —Rebecca Deurlein, Forbes.com, 8 Apr. 2025 There is a palpable feeling of magnitude. —George Caulkin, New York Times, 8 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
  • Immediate Action Required: The urgency is unmistakable.
    — Sandy Carter, Forbes.com, 8 Apr. 2025
  • His speech contained an unmistakable warning for Bolsonaro.
    — Jon Lee Anderson, New Yorker, 7 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
  • To a casual observer, the difference between o1 and o1-pro might not be immediately apparent, yet the performance gap in business tasks can be substantial.
    — Andrew Filev, Forbes.com, 14 Apr. 2025
  • This is most apparent in the different choices of former President Joe Biden and President Donald Trump.
    — Brady Knox, The Washington Examiner, 13 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
  • However, the romantic narrative is punctuated by subtle moments of unease, each barely perceptible on its own but which, taken together, build into something rather more sinister.
    — Stephanie Hirschmiller, Forbes, 6 Mar. 2025
Definition of perceptible
Adjective
  • Addressing both the mental and physical parts of grief is critical for healing.
    — Kathleen Ferraro, SELF, 15 Apr. 2025
  • Then Trump proposed sending U.S. citizens convicted of crimes to El Salvador, where prisoners are allegedly held incommunicado and face physical and mental abuse.
    — Brian Bennett, Time, 14 Apr. 2025
Definition of physical
Adjective
  • Clark's influence on the popularity of women's basketball over the last year has been evident in various statistics.
    — Jackson Thompson, FOXNews.com, 17 Apr. 2025
  • Political representatives are sensitive to elections, as is evident in the close races in Florida on April 1.
    — Thomas G. Moukawsher, MSNBC Newsweek, 17 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 21 Apr. 2025.

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