intangible

1 of 2

adjective

in·​tan·​gi·​ble (ˌ)in-ˈtan-jə-bəl How to pronounce intangible (audio)
Synonyms of intangible
: not tangible : impalpable
education's intangible benefits
intangibility
in-ˌtan-jə-ˈbi-lə-tē How to pronounce intangible (audio)
noun
intangibleness
in-ˈtan-jə-bəl-nəs How to pronounce intangible (audio)
noun
intangibly
in-ˈtan-jə-blē How to pronounce intangible (audio)
adverb

intangible

2 of 2

noun

: something intangible: such as
a
: an asset (such as goodwill) that is not corporeal
b
: an abstract quality or attribute

Synonyms of intangible

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Adjective

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Examples of intangible in a Sentence

Adjective Leadership is an intangible asset to a company. electrical energy is completely intangible
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.
Adjective
The Tar Heels’ ability to overcome some sloppiness — and, yes, take advantage of a slew of TCU mistakes — was a positive intangible sign after Belichick’s brutal debut season and offseason. — Stewart Mandel, New York Times, 30 Aug. 2026 The material benefit of the Emmys — of all awards shows, really — is almost entirely intangible. — Joe Reid, Vulture, 29 Aug. 2026
Noun
Ferrari’s first road car to break 1,000 metric horsepower was the SF90, an inflection point that shifted the conversation from supercar intangibles to cold, hard numbers. — Basem Wasef, Robb Report, 26 Aug. 2026 In fact, as much as 80% of the value of a team is comprised of intangibles. — Jason Ma, Fortune, 19 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for intangible

Word History

Etymology

Adjective

French or Medieval Latin; French, from Medieval Latin intangibilis, from Latin in- + Late Latin tangibilis tangible

First Known Use

Adjective

1640, in the meaning defined above

Noun

1914, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of intangible was in 1640

Rhymes for intangible

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Browse Nearby Words

intangibility
intangible
intangible assets
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Intangible.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/intangible. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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Kids Definition

intangible

adjective
in·​tan·​gi·​ble
(ˈ)in-ˈtan-jə-bəl
1
: not capable of being touched
light is intangible
2
: not capable of being thought of as matter or substance
health's intangible benefits
intangibility
(ˌ)in-ˌtan-jə-ˈbil-ət-ē
noun
intangible noun
intangibleness
(ˈ)in-ˈtan-jə-bəl-nəs
noun
intangibly
-blē
adverb

Legal Definition

intangible

1 of 2 adjective
in·​tan·​gi·​ble in-ˈtan-jə-bəl How to pronounce intangible (audio)
: incapable of being touched : having no physical existence : not tangible or corporeal

intangible

2 of 2 noun
: something intangible
specifically : an asset (as goodwill or a patent right) that is not corporeal
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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