physical

adjective

ˈfi-zi-kəl How to pronounce physical (audio)
Definition of physicalnext
1
as in bodily
of or relating to the human body physical sensations such as heat and pain

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in concrete
relating to or composed of matter couldn't tell the difference between a physical object and a shadow in the dim light

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective physical contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of physical are corporeal, material, objective, phenomenal, and sensible. While all these words mean "of or belonging to actuality," physical applies to what is perceived directly by the senses and may contrast with mental, spiritual, or imaginary.

the physical benefits of exercise

When is it sensible to use corporeal instead of physical?

Although the words corporeal and physical 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 is material a more appropriate choice than physical?

The words material and physical are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, 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 would objective be a good substitute for physical?

In some situations, the words objective and physical are roughly equivalent. However, objective may stress material or independent existence apart from a subject perceiving it.

no objective evidence of damage

Where would phenomenal be a reasonable alternative to physical?

The meanings of phenomenal and physical largely overlap; however, 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 could sensible be used to replace physical?

The words sensible and physical can be used in similar contexts, but 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 physical The company’s embedding of predictive AI has also bolstered maintenance processes in its physical networks. —Glenn Taylor, Sourcing Journal, 13 Feb. 2026 And so it would be given to people as a way of trying to boost their energy in difficult physical moments on the battlefield. —Dana Taylor, USA Today, 13 Feb. 2026 Ultimately, Marsh missed the entire 2025 season while dealing with constant physical discomfort. —Jaylon Thompson, Kansas City Star, 13 Feb. 2026 The showy display may demonstrate their physical prowess. —K. R. Callaway, Scientific American, 13 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for physical
Recent Examples of Synonyms for physical
  1. bodily
  2. concrete
  3. physiological
  4. substantial
  5. corporeal
  6. tangible
  7. animal
  8. somatic
Adjective
  • Chad Michael Watts, 45, faces two counts of assault causing bodily injury.
    — Jessica Ma, Dallas Morning News, 10 Feb. 2026
  • Jennifer Penton is charged with involuntary manslaughter, causing serious bodily injury to a person participating in a training program involving physical exercise, and perjury.
    — Matt Schooley, CBS News, 10 Feb. 2026
Definition of bodily
Adjective
  • The Guesthouse Under the Reed Roof answers this with a central concrete block that contains the bathroom, positioning it safely away from prying eyes.
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 10 Feb. 2026
  • Rather than naming and shaming, the report focuses on outlining concrete solutions.
    — Mayu Saini, Sourcing Journal, 10 Feb. 2026
Definition of concrete
Adjective
  • These physiological responses are now part of a wider conversation about rising instances of school avoidance among neurodiverse adolescents.
    — Lyssanoel Frater, USA Today, 7 Feb. 2026
  • These amino acids are absorbed and distributed throughout the body according to physiological priorities, which may include muscle repair, immune function or organ maintenance, including maintaining and repairing healthy skin.
    — LeeAnn Weintraub, Daily News, 5 Feb. 2026
Definition of physiological
Adjective
  • During last year’s outbreak in Texas, there was a substantial proportion of cases in adults older than 20, Moss says.
    — Elizabeth Yuko, Rolling Stone, 7 Feb. 2026
  • During that hearing, BGE lobbyist Brittany Jones indicated that a substantial number of the company’s employees could come under the purview of the bill, because its broad definition of compensation included not only wages, but bonuses and other benefits.
    — Christine Condon, Baltimore Sun, 7 Feb. 2026
Definition of substantial
Adjective
  • No corporeal zone was off-limits either, as previously undiscussed body parts were platformed in new ways.
    — Leah Dolan, CNN Money, 23 Dec. 2025
  • The massive and systematic erasure of the subject’s corporeal or cranial profiles under the promises of collectivized universal freedom has suddenly acquired the features of the fascist unifier, if not yet worn with the pride of a helmet, then at least with that of an armband or a brassard.
    — Benjamin H. D. Buchloh, Artforum, 1 Dec. 2025
Definition of corporeal
Adjective
  • And artwork that responds to and reflects social movements can be a tangible community-building force itself, artists say.
    — Jared Kaufman, Twin Cities, 8 Feb. 2026
  • So, too, did this orientation to detail deepen those less tangible matters simmering behind the portrait subjects’ eyes and in their aura.
    — Zoë Hopkins, New Yorker, 7 Feb. 2026
Definition of tangible
Adjective
  • Not quite plant, not quite animal; delicious and wild and rare.
    — Callie Sumlin, Bon Appetit Magazine, 15 Oct. 2025
  • Perhaps unsurprisingly, dogs were more likely to respond to animal stimuli than to non-animal stimuli.
    — Margherita Bassi, Smithsonian Magazine, 21 July 2025
Definition of animal
Adjective
  • Devote a day to therapies like acupuncture, reflexology, and somatic healing at Four Moons Spa and work up an appetite for a meal at one of Fox Point Farms’ hyperlocal eateries, such as Harvest Market or Haven Farm to Table.
    — Jen Murphy, Outside, 1 Feb. 2026
  • While centering on twenty-first-century rhetoric, IPS programs often incorporate embodied learning models including meditation, somatic movement, play, collaborative cooking, and other experiential activities alongside presentations, discussions, and publications.
    — Catherine Taft, Artforum, 1 Feb. 2026
Definition of somatic

Phrases Containing physical

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physic
physical
physicality
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Cite this Entry

“Physical.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/physical. Accessed 14 Feb. 2026.

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Nglish: Translation of physical for Spanish Speakers

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