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
  • Then the unmistakable gobble of a tom rattled in from our right.
    — Dave Duffey, Outdoor Life, 2 Apr. 2025
  • Fans supporting Baylor and UConn, which also participated in the 2019 Final Four, who made the trip to Tampa six years ago will experience a far more appealing and convenient environment from which there will be an unmistakable high level of energy radiating throughout downtown.
    — Tom Layberger, Forbes.com, 2 Apr. 2025
Definition of unmistakable
Adjective
  • 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
  • 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
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
  • Moment Mom Realizes What 11-Year-Old Daughter Had Been Doing With Scissors By Jack Beresford Senior Life and Trends Reporter Newsweek Is A Trust Project Member news article 0 A mom was shocked to discover that her 11-year-old daughter had made some noticeable modifications to her school uniform.
    — Raja Krishnamoorthi, MSNBC Newsweek, 9 Apr. 2025
Definition of noticeable
Adjective
  • All of the people involved in the crash appeared to be injured, police said, with the motorcyclist suffering apparent life-threatening injuries.
    — Staff report, Hartford Courant, 3 Apr. 2025
  • Witkoff’s apparent favorability toward negotiations was cited by regional sources speaking to an Israeli newspaper as one reason Khamenei softened up and wrote back to Trump.
    — Arash Azizi, The Atlantic, 3 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
  • That route, however, will lead to a perceptible increase in health insurance premiums for workers and families across the board.
    — Tommy Tuberville, Newsweek, 6 Mar. 2025
Definition of perceptible
Adjective
  • Parkgoers and a nearby charter school complained about human waste, syringes and physical fights in the park.
    — Elliott Wenzler, The Denver Post, 10 Mar. 2025
  • Higher usage also comes with some physical challenges, as Herro is relied on to handle more of the offensive load game after game.
    — Anthony Chiang, Miami Herald, 11 Mar. 2025
Definition of physical
Adjective
  • On top of the drama, the Kings front office and ownership has assembled a roster that lacks defense on the wings, evident by the struggles to defend the 3-point line, and a true point guard.
    — Chris Biderman, Sacramento Bee, 15 Mar. 2025
  • This is very evident in the fourth quarter.
    — Ira Winderman, Sun Sentinel, 15 Mar. 2025
Definition of evident

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palpable
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Cite this Entry

“Palpable.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/palpable. Accessed 18 Apr. 2025.

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