“Tangible” can mean physically touchable or, figuratively, clear and concrete. Its opposites therefore include physical contrasts such as “intangible” and “immaterial”, plus idea-based contrasts such as “abstract”, “conceptual”, and “theoretical”.
Choose the Contrast by What Tangible Means
- Intangible
- Abstract
- Immaterial
- Nonphysical
- Conceptual
- Theoretical
- Incorporeal
- Invisible
- Imperceptible
- Elusive
- Insubstantial
- Notional
- Spiritual
- Ethereal
- Unquantifiable
- Subjective
Intangible
“Intangible” works when you mean not physically touchable or easily measured. It is more precise than the original when that distinction matters.
Example: The benefit was largely intangible rather than tangible.
Abstract
Use “Abstract” for existing as an idea or quality rather than a concrete object. Check the surrounding sentence because it is not necessarily interchangeable in every context.
Example: The benefit was largely abstract rather than tangible.
Immaterial
“Immaterial” emphasizes not material or physical. Choose it when that shade of meaning is the one you want to bring forward.
Example: The benefit was largely immaterial rather than tangible.
Nonphysical
“Nonphysical” works when you mean not having a physical form. It is more precise than the original when that distinction matters.
Example: The benefit was largely nonphysical rather than tangible.
Conceptual
Use “Conceptual” for existing mainly as a concept or model. Check the surrounding sentence because it is not necessarily interchangeable in every context.
Example: The benefit was largely conceptual rather than tangible.
Theoretical
“Theoretical” emphasizes based on theory rather than direct practical reality. Choose it when that shade of meaning is the one you want to bring forward.
Example: The benefit was largely theoretical rather than tangible.
Incorporeal
“Incorporeal” works when you mean without a physical body or material form. It is more precise than the original when that distinction matters.
Example: The benefit was largely incorporeal rather than tangible.
Invisible
Use “Invisible” for not visible to the eye. Check the surrounding sentence because it is not necessarily interchangeable in every context.
Example: The benefit was largely invisible rather than tangible.
Imperceptible
“Imperceptible” emphasizes too slight or subtle to be perceived. Choose it when that shade of meaning is the one you want to bring forward.
Example: The benefit was largely imperceptible rather than tangible.
Elusive
“Elusive” works when you mean difficult to grasp, define, or pin down. It is more precise than the original when that distinction matters.
Example: The benefit was largely elusive rather than tangible.
Insubstantial
Use “Insubstantial” for lacking physical solidity or sufficient substance. Check the surrounding sentence because it is not necessarily interchangeable in every context.
Example: The benefit was largely insubstantial rather than tangible.
Notional
“Notional” emphasizes existing primarily as an idea or assumption. Choose it when that shade of meaning is the one you want to bring forward.
Example: The benefit was largely notional rather than tangible.
Spiritual
“Spiritual” works when you mean relating to nonmaterial or spiritual concerns. It is more precise than the original when that distinction matters.
Example: The benefit was largely spiritual rather than tangible.
Ethereal
Use “Ethereal” for delicate, airy, or seemingly not of the material world. Check the surrounding sentence because it is not necessarily interchangeable in every context.
Example: The benefit was largely ethereal rather than tangible.
Unquantifiable
“Unquantifiable” emphasizes not readily expressible as a measurable amount. Choose it when that shade of meaning is the one you want to bring forward.
Example: The benefit was largely unquantifiable rather than tangible.
Subjective
“Subjective” works when you mean dependent on personal perception rather than concrete external fact. It is more precise than the original when that distinction matters.
Example: The benefit was largely subjective rather than tangible.