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 The Chilean duo’s latest only further establishes them as some of the most exciting makers of tangible, macabre visions on the world’s stage. — Josh Slater-Williams, IndieWire, 7 Aug. 2026 A lot of the young performers are starting to cater to the interest in physical media, too, because artists make more money selling tangible things. — Marah Eakin, Vulture, 7 Aug. 2026 The researchers’ work, an unedited version of which saw early publication last month in the journal Nature Communications, makes this abstract question about prime numbers more tangible than ever before. — Joseph Howlett, Scientific American, 6 Aug. 2026 But investors are heavily scrutinizing AI spending by tech companies and are looking for tangible returns on investments. — Arjun Kharpal, CNBC, 6 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for tangible

Recent Examples of Synonyms for tangible

Adjective

Divers rotate every 20 minutes to reduce fatigue and the physical demands of wearing nearly 100 pounds of equipment.

— Darius Johnson, CBS News, 6 Aug. 2026
The question is whether the cultural infrastructure will follow the physical one fast enough.

— Vibhas Ratanjee, Forbes.com, 5 Aug. 2026

Definition of physical

Adjective

Guerrero’s struggles have been particularly noticeable, creating an unusual disconnect between his superstar status and his production.

— Peter Chawaga, Forbes.com, 9 Aug. 2026
In September, visitors can enjoy temperatures similar to July and August, but with a noticeable lack of people vying for prime sunset seating and fewer traffic and parking challenges.

— Lindsay Cohn, Travel + Leisure, 9 Aug. 2026

Definition of noticeable

Adjective

But his longest film to date — at over two hours — definitely benefits from a more palpable emotional hook at its center, reportedly inspired by the director’s own parents, to whom the film is dedicated.

— Josh Slater-Williams, IndieWire, 10 Aug. 2026
The widespread joy was palpable in an Instagram photo posted by the mother of two.

— Diane J. Cho, PEOPLE, 9 Aug. 2026

Definition of palpable

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“Tangible.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/tangible. Accessed 11 Aug. 2026.

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