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 This can help to better organize and structure your finances in a palpable fashion. —William Jones, Ascend Agency, 7 Feb. 2026 His probing sensitive camera makes this story utterly palpable. —Murtada Elfadl, Variety, 6 Feb. 2026 Deighton looked around at what she’s created with the support around her, her pride palpable. —Jasmin Malik Chua, Sourcing Journal, 5 Feb. 2026 After the killings of two American citizens — to say nothing of the brutal treatment of immigrants, both legal and otherwise — the outrage is palpable and growing. —Stephen Mihm, Mercury News, 5 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for palpable
Recent Examples of Synonyms for palpable
  1. distinguishable
  2. tangible
  3. unmistakable
  4. audible
  5. noticeable
  6. evident
  7. perceptible
  8. physical
Adjective
  • Two executive chefs ago, Georgie had a distinguishable French bent under the leadership of RJ Yoakum, who previously spent years working for Thomas Keller at The French Laundry.
    — Claire Ballor Staff Reporter, Dallas Morning News, 11 Feb. 2026
  • The team recorded the neuron’s electrical activity to test whether the process could produce distinguishable signals.
    — Matthew S Williams, Interesting Engineering, 5 Feb. 2026
Definition of distinguishable
Adjective
  • And artwork that responds to and reflects social movements can be a tangible community-building force itself, artists say.
    — Jared Kaufman, Twin Cities, 8 Feb. 2026
  • So, too, did this orientation to detail deepen those less tangible matters simmering behind the portrait subjects’ eyes and in their aura.
    — Zoë Hopkins, New Yorker, 7 Feb. 2026
Definition of tangible
Adjective
  • The Telltale Signs of Rotary Motion The re-examination revealed unmistakable evidence that this was no simple awl meant for poking holes.
    — Ryan Brennan, Miami Herald, 13 Feb. 2026
  • Those distinctive features give the species a look that is at once gentle and unmistakable — a face that, for the wildlife community, has become a symbol of how close a species can come to vanishing entirely and still find a path back.
    — Hanna Wickes, Kansas City Star, 13 Feb. 2026
Definition of unmistakable
Adjective
  • Her soaring voice and the simple backing instruments led to audible crowd cheers and moving athlete reactions.
    — Natalie Oganesyan, Deadline, 8 Feb. 2026
  • Jason and Travis Kelce, brothers and former Super Bowl players who also grew up in Cleveland Heights, learned of the campaign and quickly kicked in $10,000, allowing 14 members of Edwards’ family to come to Italy — where their cheers were audible every time her name was announced.
    — Kevin Baxter, Los Angeles Times, 5 Feb. 2026
Definition of audible
Adjective
  • The gusty and chilly winds will also be noticeable, especially on Thursday.
    — Steven Sosna, CBS News, 10 Feb. 2026
  • Officials said the smell of gas was noticeable across multiple locations throughout the city.
    — Elissa Jorgensen, Dallas Morning News, 10 Feb. 2026
Definition of noticeable
Adjective
  • The shift away from historically high-paying, white-collar jobs is already evident in the choices Gen Z is making.
    — Sydney Lake, Fortune, 11 Feb. 2026
  • That should be evident for the next six weeks around the Charlotte Sports Complex, as pitchers and catchers — many of whom have already been there working out — formally report Wednesday and take the field for the first official session Thursday morning.
    — Marc Topkin, The Orlando Sentinel, 11 Feb. 2026
Definition of evident
Adjective
  • The salt level was perfect for everyone, and many said the corn flavor was perceptible without being overwhelming.
    — Kimberly Holland, Southern Living, 30 Jan. 2026
  • Underneath the jokes, though, there is perceptible movement.
    — Erin Vanderhoof, Vanity Fair, 27 Jan. 2026
Definition of perceptible
Adjective
  • Both Bloom’s and Brick’s physical devices may also give them an edge with young people who increasingly prefer the analog over the digital.
    — Marco Quiroz-Gutierrez, Fortune, 13 Feb. 2026
  • There are more overtly sexy moments in Fennell’s movie — the physical intimacy is ratcheted up significantly from the book — but this scene underlines the Brontë’s themes of desire and repression — and the friction between them — that imprinted on the filmmaker as a teen.
    — Angelique Jackson, Variety, 13 Feb. 2026
Definition of physical

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Cite this Entry

“Palpable.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/palpable. Accessed 14 Feb. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on palpable

Nglish: Translation of palpable for Spanish Speakers

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