tangible

adjective

ˈtan-jə-bəl How to pronounce tangible (audio)
Definition of tangiblenext
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

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

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 As those roles have eroded, particularly in places where stable work has disappeared, the left has offered few alternatives that feel tangible or aspirational. —Thomas G. Moukawsher, MSNBC Newsweek, 17 Apr. 2025 For disabled people, for instance, body grief is daily, tangible, and systemic. —Jayne Mattingly, Time, 16 Apr. 2025 When the focus turns to practical options, the conversations become energizing, opening the door to tangible steps that drive impact. —Forrester, Forbes.com, 28 Mar. 2025 But the benefit, if the strikes are successful, will be tangible to America. —Tiana Lowe Doescher, The Washington Examiner, 28 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for tangible
Recent Examples of Synonyms for tangible
  1. physical
  2. noticeable
  3. palpable
Adjective
  • Addressing both the mental and physical parts of grief is critical for healing.
    — Kathleen Ferraro, SELF, 15 Apr. 2025
  • Then Trump proposed sending U.S. citizens convicted of crimes to El Salvador, where prisoners are allegedly held incommunicado and face physical and mental abuse.
    — Brian Bennett, Time, 14 Apr. 2025
Definition of physical
Adjective
  • Based on the study’s results, Tucker’s team believes that survivors of severe trauma may see noticeable changes in their biological systems’ baseline levels.
    — Andrew Paul, Popular Science, 10 Apr. 2025
  • The aftermath of Hurricane Helene has left Augusta National Golf Club with a noticeable change in its lush greenery.
    — Ashley J. DiMella Fox News, FOXNews.com, 9 Apr. 2025
Definition of noticeable
Adjective
  • That frustration from the other end of Pennsylvania Avenue has been palpable since Trump returned to power in January and became urgently undeniable in the last week.
    — Philip Elliott, Time, 9 Apr. 2025
  • Workers are tired of being caught off guard, and the anxiety is palpable.
    — David Faris, MSNBC Newsweek, 12 Apr. 2025
Definition of palpable

Browse Nearby Words

tangibility
tangible
tangibleness
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Cite this Entry

“Tangible.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/tangible. Accessed 24 Apr. 2025.

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