palpable applies either to what has physical substance or to what is obvious and unmistakable.

PALPABLE definition: readily or plainly seen, heard, perceived, etc.; obvious; evident. See examples of palpable used in a sentence.

1. (usually prenominal) easily perceived by the senses or the mind; obvious: the excuse was a palpable lie.

Definition of palpable adjective in Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary. Meaning, pronunciation, picture, example sentences, grammar, usage notes, synonyms and more.

PALPABLE meaning: 1. so obvious that it can easily be seen or known, or (of a feeling) so strong that it seems as if…. Learn more.

You describe something as palpable when it is obvious or intense and easily noticed. The tension between Amy and Jim is palpable. There is an almost palpable feeling of hopelessness.

WordReference Random House Unabridged Dictionary of American English © 2025 pal•pa•ble (pal′ pə bəl), adj. readily or plainly seen, heard, perceived, etc.; obvious; evident: a palpable lie; palpable …

palpable, adj. & adv. meanings, etymology, pronunciation and more in the Oxford English Dictionary

When something is palpable, you can touch or handle it, even though the word is often used to describe things that usually can't be handled or touched, such as emotions or sensations.

palpable meaning, definition, what is palpable: a feeling that is palpable is so strong ...: Learn more.