Definition of PALPABLE (original) (raw)
1
: capable of being touched or felt : tangible
2
: easily perceptible : noticeable
The attraction between them was palpable.
3
: easily perceptible by the mind : manifest
Did you know?
If you find it fascinating how English speakers push words with concrete meanings into figurative use, we feel you. By which we mean we understand you, of course, not that we are patting your head or poking you in the shoulder. Palpable, which has since the 14th century described things that can be literally felt through the skin (such as a person’s pulse), has undergone an expansion similar to that of feel over the centuries, and is now more frequently used to describe things that cannot be touched but are still so easy to perceive that it is as though they could be—such as "a palpable tension in the air."
Synonyms
Choose the Right Synonym for palpable
a perceptible difference in sound to a careful listener
sensible applies to whatever is clearly apprehended through the senses or impresses itself strongly on the mind.
an abrupt, sensible drop in temperature
palpable applies either to what has physical substance or to what is obvious and unmistakable.
the tension in the air was almost palpable
tangible suggests what is capable of being handled or grasped both physically and mentally.
no tangible evidence of UFOs
appreciable applies to what is distinctly discernible by the senses or definitely measurable.
an appreciable increase in income
ponderable suggests having definitely measurable weight or importance.
exerted a ponderable influence on world events
Examples of palpable in a Sentence
A positive patch-test result, measured by a visible and palpable localized response, denotes a delayed hypersensitivity response … —
Simon Kallal et al., New England Journal of Medicine, 7 Feb. 2008 There's a palpable feeling of community here: owner Lee McLemore stocks the store with a surprisingly large wine selection, police chief Andy Williams moonlights in the prepared-foods section and barbecues in the parking lot, and George Watkins personally fills the shelves with his superb tupelo honey. —Todd Coleman, Saveur, October 2006 When I'm back in nature after months of walking around on concrete and living in boxes, I feel a palpable internal shift. —Al Gore, An Inconvenient Truth, 2006
I felt a palpable sense of relief. The attraction between them was palpable. There was a palpable excitement in the air as the town prepared for the festival.
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.
Read More: How Trump Can Redeem His Gaza Fiasco The sense of possibility was palpable. —Jane Harman, TIME, 9 Feb. 2025 The electricity in the building was palpable 72 hours after the Kings acquired the two-time All-Star in the De’Aaron Fox trade, but the early returns were alarming against an Orlando squad with the size and length to exploit Sacramento’s weaknesses. —Jason Anderson, Sacramento Bee, 6 Feb. 2025 The directorial vision is palpable on every page of the script. —Leo Barraclough, Variety, 5 Feb. 2025 Carter Mario’s pride in his children’s involvement is palpable. —Ascend Agency, Hartford Courant, 5 Feb. 2025 See all Example Sentences for palpable 
Word History
Etymology
Middle English, from Late Latin palpabilis, from Latin palpare to stroke, caress — more at feel
First Known Use
14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1
Time Traveler
The first known use of palpable was in the 14th century
Dictionary Entries Near palpable
Cite this Entry
“Palpable.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/palpable. Accessed 12 Feb. 2025.
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Last Updated: 12 Feb 2025 - Updated example sentences
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