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

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 For businesses, however, the potential returns are becoming more tangible. — Jenny Lee, CNBC, 22 Oct. 2026 But critics of the lease extension and development plan are concerned about how those funds will be used and whether there will be tangible benefits for residents. — Sofia Saric, Miami Herald, 22 Oct. 2026 For anyone feeling grieved, forsaken, fearful, or alone, there is real, tangible hope and comfort in Christ. — The Christian Science Monitor, Christian Science Monitor, 22 Oct. 2026 Alba and Kelso will share tangible insights and takeaways for entrepreneurs and small business owners about the realities of running a business and how financial partnerships factor into business success. — William Earl, Variety, 22 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for tangible

Recent Examples of Synonyms for tangible

Adjective

Her physical absence changes nothing about the circumstances of our friendship.

— Philip Martin, Arkansas Online, 27 Oct. 2026
This is just a normal part of growing older, according to conventional wisdom, as if aging were a one-way street of physical decline.

— Leana S. Wen, Washington Post, 27 Oct. 2026

Definition of physical

Adjective

Our final list is made up of the best six neck creams for older women that firmed skin and made things like tech neck, sagging, and crepey texture look a lot less noticeable and smoother.

— Christa Joanna Lee, Glamour, 23 Oct. 2026
Aldi’s Benton’s Original Chocolate Sandwich Creme Cookies have become a frequent Oreo comparison, and a Simply Recipes blind taste test found noticeable differences between the two, with the reviewer ultimately preferring Oreos.

— Ashley Lynch, Sacbee.com, 23 Oct. 2026

Definition of noticeable

Adjective

There was palpable excitement, especially after Barringer noted that national Democrats had put the seat on a list of ones to watch for a possible upset.

— ABC News, ABC News, 24 Oct. 2026
That sense of heritage and care is palpable throughout—there’s a warmth here that goes beyond design, rooted in generations of connection to the place.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 22 Oct. 2026

Definition of palpable

Adjective

The new direction is refined but touchable, with thoughtful shape, movement and structure.

— Kaleigh Werner, Footwear News, 2 Oct. 2026
Film-forming polymers protect hair by providing an even thermal barrier, and sunflower seed oil glycerides keep hair silky, conditioned, and touchable—not lacquered into submission.

— Polly Blitzer, Glamour, 9 Sep. 2026

Definition of touchable

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“Tangible.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/tangible. Accessed 27 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of tangible

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