Definition of TANGIBLE (original) (raw)
1
a
: capable of being perceived especially by the sense of touch : palpable
2
: capable of being precisely identified or realized by the mind
3
: capable of being appraised at an actual or approximate value
: something that is tangible (see tangible entry 1)
especially : an asset capable of being appraised at an actual or approximate value
Did you know?
Something that's literally tangible can be touched. A rock is tangible, and so is a broken window; if the rock is lying next to the window, it could be tangible evidence of vandalism. When we say that the tension in a room is tangible, we mean we feel it so strongly that it seems almost physical. But if we're being literal, tension, like hope, happiness, and hunger, is literally _intangible_—it may be real, but it can't be touched. When lawyers talk about an intangible asset, they might mean something like a company's good reputation—very valuable, but not quite touchable.
Synonyms
Choose the Right Synonym for tangible
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 tangible in a Sentence
Adjective
These days, an environmentally conscious motorist can walk into a Toyota or Honda dealer and snap up an efficient gasoline-electric hybrid, but the omega point of green driving—the pollution-free hydrogen fuel cell vehicle—is so elusive that one wonders if it will ever become tangible. —
Brad Lemley, Discover, October 2002 Piniella has no interest in casino gambling, but the horses and the stock market have fascinated him because, he discovered, the payoff is in the satisfaction of doping out the winner as much as it is in the tangible reward. —Frank Deford, Sports Illustrated, 19 Mar. 2001 This barbed wire, this flattened earth opposite Louie's bestrewn yard, served as a tangible reminder that I was an outsider looking in … —Julie Matheson, Geographical Review, January-April 2001 Traveling alone does have tangible drawbacks: One of the biggest is cost. Taking a trip alone is normally more expensive for one than for half of a pair. —Betsy Wade, New York Times, 20 July 1997
There is no tangible evidence to support her claim. Their sense of relief was almost tangible. Noun
In this agora, the price of what you buy and sell need bear no implacable relationship to any tangibles. —Jodie Allen, New Republic, 5 June 2000 The nightly highlight packages confront old-timers with videotaped evidence that they didn't have the same tangibles as today's NBA players. —Alexander Wolff, Sports Illustrated Classic, Fall 1991 They were betting that inflation would drive prices much higher. The smart speculator could then sell the commodities or other tangibles, repay the loans, and reap a quick profit. —William Greider, New Yorker, 9 Nov. 1987
Recent Examples on the Web
The close collaboration between the National Museum of the American Indian and the Center for Folklife and Cultural Heritage puts the static, tangible objects and images of cultural heritage in conversation with the intangible, living traditions and practices coming to the National Mall. —Eli Wizevich, Smithsonian Magazine, 25 June 2024 Like matchbooks, vintage ashtrays and surreptitiously pocketed memorabilia, Clark’s work provides a tangible memory from what might be a first date with a lover, a milestone birthday celebration or perhaps just a really good meal. —Kyra Breslin, Washington Post, 25 June 2024
From 1997 to 2019, capital investment in tangibles like machines and buildings fell from 22 to 14% of gross value added in the United States and from 25 to 17% in Europe. —Chris Bradley, Fortune Europe, 22 May 2024 Job Search Variables Variables include tangibles like job levels applied for, number of jobs available in the field, salaries sought, and so on; intangibles include intensity of the search, quality of the candidate’s résumé, number of candidates, etc. —Eli Amdur, Forbes, 28 Feb. 2024 See all Example Sentences for tangible 
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'tangible.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Word History
Etymology
Adjective and Noun
Late Latin tangibilis, from Latin tangere to touch
First Known Use
Adjective
1589, in the meaning defined at sense 1a
Noun
1890, in the meaning defined above
Time Traveler
The first known use of tangible was in 1589
Dictionary Entries Near tangible
Cite this Entry
“Tangible.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/tangible. Accessed 3 Jul. 2024.
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Last Updated: 30 Jun 2024 - Updated example sentences
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