tangible

1 of 2

adjective

tan·​gi·​ble ˈtan-jə-bəl How to pronounce tangible (audio)
1
a
: capable of being perceived especially by the sense of touch : palpable
b
: substantially real : material
2
: capable of being precisely identified or realized by the mind
her grief was tangible
3
: capable of being appraised at an actual or approximate value
tangible assets
tangibility noun
tangibleness noun
tangibly adverb

tangible

2 of 2

noun

tan·​gi·​ble ˈtan-jə-bəl How to pronounce tangible (audio)
: 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.

Choose the Right Synonym for tangible

perceptible, sensible, palpable, tangible, appreciable, ponderable mean apprehensible as real or existent.

perceptible applies to what can be discerned by the senses often to a minimal extent.

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
Adjective
Less tangible is how the Aztecs handle the pressure of their season essentially being judged by this week in Spokane. Mark Zeigler, San Diego Union-Tribune, 22 Mar. 2024 In reference to the tangible actions to be taken in the region, De Domenico said the ability to change the impending trajectory of famine is critically time-sensitive. Jianna Cousin, ABC News, 21 Mar. 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 29 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

tangible

1 of 2 adjective
tan·​gi·​ble ˈtan-jə-bəl How to pronounce tangible (audio)
1
: capable of being touched
2
: capable of being understood and appreciated
tangibility noun
tangibly adverb

tangible

2 of 2 noun
: something tangible
Etymology

Adjective

from Latin tangibilis "tangible," from tangere "to touch" — related to contact, tactile, tangent

Legal Definition

tangible

adjective
tan·​gi·​ble ˈtan-jə-bəl How to pronounce tangible (audio)
: capable of being perceived especially by the sense of touch

More from Merriam-Webster on tangible

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