phenomenal

adjective

phe·​nom·​e·​nal fi-ˈnä-mə-nᵊl 

: relating to or being a phenomenon: such as

a

: known through the senses rather than through thought or intuition

b

: concerned with phenomena rather than with hypotheses

c

: extraordinary, remarkable

phenomenally

fi-ˈnä-mə-nᵊl-ē 

adverb

Synonyms

• extraordinary
• exceptional
• unusual
• unique
• outstanding
• remarkable
• rare
• abnormal

Choose the Right Synonym for phenomenal

material, physical, corporeal, phenomenal, sensible, objective mean of or belonging to actuality.

material implies formation out of tangible matter; used in contrast with spiritual or ideal it may connote the mundane, crass, or grasping.

material values

physical applies to what is perceived directly by the senses and may contrast with mental, spiritual, or imaginary.

the physical benefits of exercise

corporeal implies having the tangible qualities of a body such as shape, size, or resistance to force.

artists have portrayed angels as corporeal beings

phenomenal applies to what is known or perceived through the senses rather than by intuition or rational deduction.

scientists concerned with the phenomenal world

sensible stresses the capability of readily or forcibly impressing the senses.

the earth's rotation is not sensible to us

objective may stress material or independent existence apart from a subject perceiving it.

no objective evidence of damage

Examples of phenomenal in a Sentence

The catch soared year after year, reaching a peak of 1.6 billion pounds in 1956. But not even the fish's phenomenal fecundity could sustain them under this industrial onslaught. —Bruce Franklin, Mother Jones, March & April 2006

The region's two main communities are Camden, with its very old money and … five-star restaurants and phenomenal B&Bs, and Rockland, a serious old fishing town that hosts the Festival every summer in historic Harbor Park, right along the water. —David Foster Wallace, Gourmet, August 2004

Physical prowess aside, the concentration required on the beam is phenomenal. —Jack McCallum, Sports Illustrated, 18 Oct. 2000

Given his phenomenal poll numbers in a race he has not yet officially entered … —Julia Reed, Vogue, February 1999

the phenomenal growth that the suburb has experienced over the last decade

the phenomenal ability to remember the names of thousands of people

Recent Examples on the Web

An errant drive on No. 18 forced Curry to consider three different shots before a phenomenal approach shot that led to his birdie. —Cam Inman, Mercury News, 11 July 2025

Christopher Reeve's first two Superman movies showcased a phenomenal actor who brought nuance to the superhero movie and brilliantly captured the character: This alien from Krypton was raised to be the best of us, embracing humanity and falling in love. —Brian Truitt, USA Today, 11 July 2025

Overall, this has been a phenomenal offseason for the Thunder as the three stars on the roster are now under contract for at least five more years. —Nick Crain, Forbes.com, 11 July 2025

The Phillies walked a tightrope over the weekend against the Cincinnati Reds and won two games because their starters were phenomenal. —Matt Gelb, New York Times, 8 July 2025

Word History

Etymology

see phenomenon

First Known Use

1825, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for phenomenal

• abdominal
• pronominal
• nominal

Kids Definition

phenomenal

adjective

phe·​nom·​e·​nal fi-ˈnäm-ən-ᵊl 

1

: of, relating to, or being a phenomenon

2

: very remarkable : extraordinary

a phenomenal memory

phenomenally

-ᵊl-ē 

adverb