Definition of phenomenalnext
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Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective phenomenal contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of phenomenal are corporeal, material, objective, physical, and sensible. While all these words mean "of or belonging to actuality," phenomenal applies to what is known or perceived through the senses rather than by intuition or rational deduction.

scientists concerned with the phenomenal world

When would corporeal be a good substitute for phenomenal?

Although the words corporeal and phenomenal have much in common, corporeal implies having the tangible qualities of a body such as shape, size, or resistance to force.

artists have portrayed angels as corporeal beings

When could material be used to replace phenomenal?

The synonyms material and phenomenal are sometimes interchangeable, but material implies formation out of tangible matter; used in contrast with spiritual or ideal it may connote the mundane, crass, or grasping.

material values

When is objective a more appropriate choice than phenomenal?

The meanings of objective and phenomenal largely overlap; however, objective may stress material or independent existence apart from a subject perceiving it.

no objective evidence of damage

When is it sensible to use physical instead of phenomenal?

The words physical and phenomenal are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, physical applies to what is perceived directly by the senses and may contrast with mental, spiritual, or imaginary.

the physical benefits of exercise

In what contexts can sensible take the place of phenomenal?

While the synonyms sensible and phenomenal are close in meaning, sensible stresses the capability of readily or forcibly impressing the senses.

the earth's rotation is not sensible to us

Example Sentences

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.
Recent Examples of phenomenal Richardson, a vulcanologist and planetary geologist, said getting those initial datasets was nothing short of phenomenal. Josh Dinner, Space.com, 11 May 2026 Every film is grounded in truth, rich with lived experience, and offers a phenomenal new lens through which to view the world. Etan Vlessing, HollywoodReporter, 8 May 2026 Where to Stay Palm Springs is so well-known for its legendary mid-century modern architecture that its phenomenal Spanish Colonial Revival buildings often get overlooked. Christina Pérez, Vogue, 8 May 2026 Our production designer, Jess Gonchor, created this phenomenal Milan hotel room. Angelique Jackson, Variety, 8 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for phenomenal
Recent Examples of Synonyms for phenomenal
Adjective
  • Nowhere is this truer than in Russia, a nation marked by a long history of political repression alongside extraordinary literary brilliance, a rare and uneasy combination.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 18 May 2026
  • In the dark tunnels of an active mine near Timmins, Ontario, something extraordinary is leaking out of the Earth.
    Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 18 May 2026
Adjective
  • France lost the final on penalties, but Mbappé scored a hat trick in a superhuman performance that cemented his legacy as a World Cup immortal.
    Aidan McLaughlin, Vanity Fair, 12 May 2026
  • Even a superhuman player would’ve been done years prior.
    Chris Branch, New York Times, 12 May 2026
Adjective
  • Usually by Terminus, whose exceptional frame and hairless white was itself a sideshow, added to the allure.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 20 May 2026
  • This rich tradition has been showcased in the plots and action sequences of countless films, including these eight exceptional, beloved classics.
    David Faris, TheWeek, 20 May 2026
Adjective
  • Gold has experience delving into uncanny oddness in the skies.
    Leonard David, Space.com, 19 May 2026
  • The uncanny vision is made even eerier when Hoop spots her late mother dragging her five children through the human tide.
    Philip Sherburne, Pitchfork, 19 May 2026
Adjective
  • The Sun forms a cazimi with Mercury in Taurus in your 3rd House of Communication, illuminating messages, conversations, errands, and daily decisions with unusual clarity.
    Tarot.com, Hartford Courant, 14 May 2026
  • The unusual move would allow the administration to bypass a public bidding process, relying on a deal for engineering services already underway at the White House.
    Sarah Blaskey, Washington Post, 14 May 2026
Adjective
  • Somehow, though, the concept feels miraculous every time.
    Guy Lodge, Variety, 14 May 2026
  • Unless Buium hits quickly, Rossi ascends greater than can be reasonably expected and Elias Pettersson’s career makes a miraculous turnaround, the likely declines of eventual 30-year-olds Boeser, DeBrusk, Hronek and Marcus Pettersson are a major factor.
    Dom Luszczyszyn, New York Times, 11 May 2026
Adjective
  • Mental-health support is often discussed in broad terms, but meaningful progress happens when care is local, comprehensive and responsive to the unique needs of individuals and families.
    Maria Bledsoe, The Orlando Sentinel, 17 May 2026
  • Bohun Sandra’s thoughts and approach are so unique.
    Georg Szalai, HollywoodReporter, 16 May 2026
Adjective
  • So, even these magical elements that are not realistic are informed by the research.
    Fiction Non Fiction, Literary Hub, 14 May 2026
  • If Nikolai Gogol and Raymond Chandler had collaborated, this might have been the result—absurdist Slavic magical realism grafted onto an entertaining whodunit.
    The Atlantic, The Atlantic, 14 May 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Phenomenal.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/phenomenal. Accessed 23 May. 2026.

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