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

Relevance

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 Even in a Trump-friendly slice of Orange County, concerns about higher prices and uncertainty about the economy were palpable. —Kevinisha Walker, Los Angeles Times, 5 Apr. 2025 When the friends head to the public library to attend their first minicomics convention, their giddy, nervous excitement is palpable. —James Sturm, New York Times, 4 Apr. 2025 Fan excitement was palpable in the early innings, before the Cubs put the game out of reach with their scoring barrage. —Chris Biderman, Sacbee.com, 2 Apr. 2025 Emotions and sorrow were palpable even though Prine has been dead for nearly five years. —Rick Kogan, Chicago Tribune, 2 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
  • It had been stated before, that Starfleet ships in the 23rd century didn’t have holodecks, but suddenly here is one — that grid pattern is unmistakable — and the crew seems to be using it to solve a whodunnit, Christie-style.
    — Christian Blauvelt, IndieWire, 2 Apr. 2025
  • For over 20 years, her unmistakable voice has been the soundtrack to countless lives, blending gospel music a powerful message of faith.
    — Shelby Stewart, Essence, 2 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
  • Use the dome light and flashers to make your vehicle more noticeable.
    — CA Weather Bot, Sacbee.com, 1 Apr. 2025
  • Some of them, like the new experimental version of 2.5 Pro, are beginning to show noticeable vibe improvements.
    — ArsTechnica, ArsTechnica, 1 Apr. 2025
Definition of noticeable
Adjective
  • As a result, the union met with Carr on Monday in apparent hopes that Carr, who has promised tight scrutiny of the merger, uses his muscle to achieve measures that protect workers.
    — Steven Zeitchik, HollywoodReporter, 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
  • This is because oxygen levels are not directly perceptible to the brain.
    — Jenny Lehmann, Discover Magazine, 25 Mar. 2025
Definition of perceptible
Adjective
  • South Carolina went undefeated during a dominant championship run last year that featured a physical roster no opponent could match up with.
    — Alanis Thames, Chicago Tribune, 5 Apr. 2025
  • That’s fine, but the physical practice of putting pen to paper is part of the meditative experience of journaling.
    — Ankur Bindal, Forbes.com, 4 Apr. 2025
Definition of physical
Adjective
  • The consequences of conference realignment are already evident in the physical and mental toll on athletes and staff, and escalating carbon emissions amidst a worsening climate crisis.
    — Claire Poole, Forbes.com, 5 Apr. 2025
  • That was evident in New Orleans last year as storms like Hurricane Francine soaked the city.
    — Umair Irfan, Wired News, 5 Apr. 2025
Definition of evident

Browse Nearby Words

palpability
palpable
palpably
See all Nearby Words

Podcast

Cite this Entry

“Palpable.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/palpable. Accessed 15 Apr. 2025.

Copy Citation

Share

More from Merriam-Webster on palpable

Nglish: Translation of palpable for Spanish Speakers

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

Popular in Grammar & Usage

See More

The Difference Between 'i.e.' and 'e.g.'

'Affect' vs. 'Effect'

Words You Always Have to Look Up

Democracy or Republic: What's the difference?

Every Letter Is Silent, Sometimes: A-Z List of Examples
See More

Popular in Wordplay

See More

What do SCOTUS, POTUS, and FLOTUS mean?

8 Words with Fascinating Histories

8 Words for Lesser-Known Musical Instruments

Birds Say the Darndest Things

10 Words from Taylor Swift Songs (Merriam's Version)
See More

Popular

See More

The Difference Between 'i.e.' and 'e.g.'

What do SCOTUS, POTUS, and FLOTUS mean?

8 Words with Fascinating Histories
See More

Games & Quizzes

See All
Play Quordle: Guess all four words in a limited number of tries. Each of your guesses must be a real 5-letter word.
Quordle Can you solve 4 words at once?
Play Blossom: Solve today's spelling word game by finding as many words as you can using just 7 letters. Longer words score more points.
Blossom Word Game Pick the best words!
Play Missing Letter: a crossword with a twist. Each of the 25 puzzle words start with a different letter of the alphabet. Which letter is missing?
Missing Letter A daily crossword with a twist
a game of hangman on lined paper
Hangman Lightning Round Figure out which word fits in the blanks.
See All