TANGIBLE Synonyms: 40 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How does the adjective 'tangible' contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of tangible are appreciable , palpable , perceptible , ponderable , and sensible . While all these words mean "apprehensible as real or existent," tangible suggests what is capable of being handled or grasped both physically and mentally. // no tangible evidence of UFOs

Q: When might 'appreciable' be a better fit than 'tangible'?

The words appreciable and tangible can be used in similar contexts, but appreciable applies to what is distinctly discernible by the senses or definitely measurable. // an appreciable increase in income

Q: When is it sensible to use 'palpable' instead of 'tangible'?

The synonyms palpable and tangible are sometimes interchangeable, but palpable applies either to what has physical substance or to what is obvious and unmistakable. // the tension in the air was almost palpable

Q: In what contexts can 'perceptible' take the place of 'tangible'?

Although the words perceptible and tangible have much in common, perceptible applies to what can be discerned by the senses often to a minimal extent. // a perceptible difference in sound to a careful listener

Q: When is 'ponderable' a more appropriate choice than 'tangible'?

The meanings of ponderable and tangible largely overlap; however, ponderable suggests having definitely measurable weight or importance. // exerted a ponderable influence on world events

Q: When could 'sensible' be used to replace 'tangible'?

While in some cases nearly identical to tangible , sensible applies to whatever is clearly apprehended through the senses or impresses itself strongly on the mind. // an abrupt, sensible drop in temperature

tangible

adjective

ˈtan-jə-bəl

Definition of tangible next

as in physical

capable of being perceived by the sense of touch a firm belief in the existence of the soul, even though it is not at all tangible

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How does the adjective tangible contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of tangible are appreciable, palpable, perceptible, ponderable, and sensible. While all these words mean "apprehensible as real or existent," tangible suggests what is capable of being handled or grasped both physically and mentally.

no tangible evidence of UFOs

When might appreciable be a better fit than tangible?

The words appreciable and tangible can be used in similar contexts, 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 palpable instead of tangible?

The synonyms palpable and tangible are sometimes interchangeable, but 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 perceptible take the place of tangible?

Although the words perceptible and tangible have much in common, 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 is ponderable a more appropriate choice than tangible?

The meanings of ponderable and tangible largely overlap; however, ponderable suggests having definitely measurable weight or importance.

exerted a ponderable influence on world events

When could sensible be used to replace tangible?

While in some cases nearly identical to tangible, sensible applies to whatever is clearly apprehended through the senses or impresses itself strongly on the mind.

an abrupt, sensible drop in temperature

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 tangible Spoelstra said the growth has been tangible behind the curtain, away from the games. —

Ira Winderman, Sun Sentinel, 26 Mar. 2026 That idea is everywhere now, more tangible than ever before. —

Eric Boodman, Vulture, 25 Mar. 2026 The theoretical ideas, like order books, margin requirements, and liquidation thresholds, become tangible ideas when users can actually do them for themselves. —

Wyles Daniel, Sacbee.com, 24 Mar. 2026 And yet, such prominence doesn’t seem to have led to many tangible benefits for the environment. —

Gaby Del Valle, Harpers Magazine, 24 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for tangible

Recent Examples of Synonyms for tangible

Adjective

Over 1 in 3 women and 1 in 4 men in the United States have experienced rape, physical violence and/or stalking by an intimate partner in their lifetime, according to the National Domestic Violence Hotline.

— Amanda Rosa, Miami Herald, 4 Apr. 2026
Endowed not only with a privileged birthright but—unlike the actual princes over in England, who had weak chins and went bald young—the physical stature to match?

— Jeffrey Eugenides, New Yorker, 4 Apr. 2026

Definition of physical

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“Tangible.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/tangible. Accessed 5 Apr. 2026.

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Synonyms of tangible

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