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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 More Michael Reaves/Getty Images Normally, phenomenal is a great compliment. Kendall Capps, MSNBC Newsweek, 1 June 2025 Capaldi himself was a phenomenal Doctor, bringing that trademark blend of grizzled warrior and cosmic buffoon, but his episodes were a bit hit-and-miss. Richard Edwards, Space.com, 29 May 2025 The head of our makeup department was absolutely phenomenal at her job. Brayden Garcia, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 29 May 2025 Sleeping up to eight guests and with a planing hull design that returns a top speed of 30 knots, the post-race yacht parties must be phenomenal—as well as the Ibiza mini-breaks Hamilton takes during the off-season months. Julia Zaltzman, Robb Report, 24 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for phenomenal
Recent Examples of Synonyms for phenomenal
Adjective
  • But Madigan’s extraordinary four days of testimony, in the end, weren’t enough.
    Ray Long, Chicago Tribune, 15 June 2025
  • This extraordinary high-altitude migration highlights the their unique physiological adaptations, offering valuable insight into how animals can evolve to overcome extreme environmental challenges.
    Scott Travers, Forbes.com, 15 June 2025
Adjective
  • While tech companies have been throwing around impressive-sounding claims of superhuman performance in narrow tasks, business leaders and policymakers have been left squinting through the hype, trying to figure out what any of it actually means for the real world.
    Bernard Marr, Forbes.com, 4 June 2025
  • Peter Dinklage plays the title role, a janitor who becomes a CEO-fighting vigilante after falling into toxic waste and transforming into a mutant with superhuman size and strength.
    Ben Rosenstock, Time, 16 May 2025
Adjective
  • From San Francisco to Seoul, these 58 extraordinary watering holes serve up exceptional cocktails, stunning design and world-class service.
    Forbes Staff, Forbes.com, 13 June 2025
  • Barring an exceptional situation, such as an injury crisis, he is not expected to play regularly for the first team — despite appearing in five games this season and scoring his first senior goal in May.
    Guillermo Rai, New York Times, 13 June 2025
Adjective
  • Wilson demonstrated an uncanny gift for harmonic invention and complex vocal and instrumental arrangements.
    Roy Trakin, HollywoodReporter, 11 June 2025
  • The human cast do an uncanny job of mimicking their cartoon counterparts, especially Nick Frost as dragon training master Gobber and Bronwyn James and Harry Trevaldwyn as twins Ruffnut and Tuffnut, the three of whom manage to milk fresh laughs from 15-year-old jokes.
    Peter Debruge, Variety, 9 June 2025
Adjective
  • These however, are unusual times that call for something more.
    Anita Chabria, Los Angeles Times, 8 June 2025
  • The head of the Democratic Party of Puerto Rico is endorsing Andrew Cuomo for mayor of New York City, marking an unusual foray into Big Apple politics for the organization, which typically only focuses on issues local to the island.
    Chris Sommerfeldt, New York Daily News, 8 June 2025
Adjective
  • The three most colossal creatures across land, sea and air within that tropical biosphere hold, in their DNA, the key to a drug that will bring miraculous life-saving benefits to humankind.
    Chris Gardner, HollywoodReporter, 2 June 2025
  • Still, Maye was able to make a miraculous pass for the first down, throwing against the grain.
    Ted Nguyen, New York Times, 2 June 2025
Adjective
  • His unparalleled talent and unique spirit created the soundtrack of so many lives around the globe, including our own.
    Lisa Respers France, CNN Money, 12 June 2025
  • Players take turns adding their own spin with a creative stroke, but everyone respects the rule associated with this unique tradition.
    Jaylon Thompson, Kansas City Star, 12 June 2025
Adjective
  • During last year’s Stanley Cup magical goodwill tour around South Florida, a Panthers staffer surprised patrons by walking into Shuck N Dive in September with the trophy, setting off a social-media frenzy.
    Ben Crandell, Sun Sentinel, 7 June 2025
  • There’s something a little bit magical happening with weatherproof sofas and couches right now.
    Erika Owen, Vogue, 7 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Phenomenal.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/phenomenal. Accessed 18 Jun. 2025.

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