intangible

1 of 3

adjective

in·​tan·​gi·​ble (ˌ)in-ˈtan-jə-bəl How to pronounce intangible (audio)
Synonyms of intangible
: not tangible : impalpable
education's intangible benefits
intangibility
in-ˌtan-jə-ˈbi-lə-tē How to pronounce intangible (audio)
noun
intangibleness
in-ˈtan-jə-bəl-nəs How to pronounce intangible (audio)
noun
intangibly
in-ˈtan-jə-blē How to pronounce intangible (audio)
adverb

intangible

2 of 3

noun (1)

: something intangible: such as
a
: an asset (such as goodwill) that is not corporeal
b
: an abstract quality or attribute

intangibility

3 of 3

noun (2)

in·​tangibility (¦)in‧ How to pronounce intangibility (audio)
ən‧+
1
: the quality or state of being intangible
there is a certain intangibility about this problem
2
: something that is intangible : an intangible element
fond of the pretty intangibilities of romance—Hugh Miller, born 1891

Synonyms of intangible

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Adjective

See All Synonyms & Antonyms in Thesaurus

Examples of intangible in a Sentence

Adjective Leadership is an intangible asset to a company. electrical energy is completely intangible
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
Adjective
The company said that drastic decrease was the result of pre-acquisition adjustments to the value of intangible assets as well as restructuring costs. — Laya Neelakandan, CNBC, 6 Aug. 2026 Because the brand provides a significant level of tangible and intangible support, understanding the royalty structure is essential. — Angelo Chavez, Forbes.com, 31 July 2026
Noun
About a week and a half into training camp, Hafley offered his progress report on where his team stands on the intangibles. — David Furones, Sun Sentinel, 7 Aug. 2026 This weekend, the 47-year-old Brees enters the Pro Football Hall of Fame in Canton, Ohio, where his bronze bust will effectively become Exhibit A for the triumph of intangibles over measurables. — ABC News, 4 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for intangible

Word History

Etymology

Adjective

French or Medieval Latin; French, from Medieval Latin intangibilis, from Latin in- + Late Latin tangibilis tangible

First Known Use

Adjective

1640, in the meaning defined above

Noun (1)

1914, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of intangible was in 1640

Rhymes for intangible

See All Rhymes for intangible

Browse Nearby Words

intangibility
intangible
intangible assets
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Intangible.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/intangible. Accessed 11 Aug. 2026.

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Kids Definition

intangible

adjective
in·​tan·​gi·​ble
(ˈ)in-ˈtan-jə-bəl
1
: not capable of being touched
light is intangible
2
: not capable of being thought of as matter or substance
health's intangible benefits
intangibility
(ˌ)in-ˌtan-jə-ˈbil-ət-ē
noun
intangible noun
intangibleness
(ˈ)in-ˈtan-jə-bəl-nəs
noun
intangibly
-blē
adverb

Legal Definition

intangible

1 of 2 adjective
in·​tan·​gi·​ble in-ˈtan-jə-bəl How to pronounce intangible (audio)
: incapable of being touched : having no physical existence : not tangible or corporeal

intangible

2 of 2 noun
: something intangible
specifically : an asset (as goodwill or a patent right) that is not corporeal

More from Merriam-Webster on intangible

Nglish: Translation of intangible for Spanish Speakers

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