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 Based on that draft position, Daniels was a phenomenal pick that year. Steve Bradshaw, Forbes.com, 11 June 2026 What’s immediately clear from everything out there, though, is that this game looks phenomenal, and the developers’ decision to base an open-world driving title in and around Monaco specifically is, frankly, genius. Adam Ismail, The Drive, 11 June 2026 If the ratings have been phenomenal for the NBA Finals so far, the numbers for this Game 4 might defy superlatives. Tom Tapp, Deadline, 10 June 2026 Melissa was a phenomenal partner to Steven. Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 10 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for phenomenal
Recent Examples of Synonyms for phenomenal
Adjective
  • Rice and Elliot Anderson have impressive engines but will carry an extraordinary burden throughout the tournament and need to stay on top of their game and at full intensity throughout.
    Jack Pitt-Brooke, New York Times, 16 June 2026
  • Artificial intelligence has changed a whole lot in the past few years because people have started really becoming aware of the extraordinary progress and the extraordinary risks that go with it.
    K. R. Callaway, Scientific American, 16 June 2026
Adjective
  • Aurora is leading the charge with 200 superhuman truck drivers this year.
    Michael Bloom, CNBC, 29 May 2026
  • The inaugural Enhanced Games promised superhuman performance.
    James Billot, Washington Post, 28 May 2026
Adjective
  • Each is 72+ pages long and features an exceptional design printed on premium paper.
    Big Think, Big Think, 18 June 2026
  • So to commemorate the occasion, the distillery team decided to release a pair of truly rare and exceptional age statement expressions.
    Jonah Flicker, Robb Report, 17 June 2026
Adjective
  • The instrumental break before the final chorus, with Nilles let loose on Neil Peart’s parts and Lifeson soloing like his Seventies self, was one of the many moments of uncanny resurrection on the tour so far — the essence of Rush, in full, despite the tragic absence of a key third of the band.
    Brian Hiatt, Rolling Stone, 14 June 2026
  • Perrotta’s novels have been lavishly praised for their uncanny ability to articulate dark, often uncomfortable emotional truths of American culture, using humor and sharp observational skills to explore profound shifts in how people communicate and coexist.
    Christopher Arnott, Hartford Courant, 14 June 2026
Adjective
  • French authorities said unusual betting patterns were detected around a yellow card Wahi received in a Ligue 1 match while playing for Nice last month.
    Andrew Greif, NBC news, 19 June 2026
  • The bar can do classic and pretty, strong and aromatic, familiar and unusual in the same round.
    Noel Burgess, Forbes.com, 18 June 2026
Adjective
  • The mayor said the Knicks' miraculous comeback in Game 4 typified New York's never-say-die spirit.
    Matt Nighswander, NBC news, 18 June 2026
  • Fresh off their championship victory, the team’s starting five — Jalen Brunson, Karl-Anthony Towns, Josh Hart, OG Anunoby and Mikal Bridges — will join Jimmy Fallon to celebrate their miraculous NBA finals run and taking home the franchise’s first title in 53 years.
    Ethan Shanfeld, Variety, 15 June 2026
Adjective
  • His quick wit, punchy puns and unique voice came through even on the page, and NBC took notice.
    Emily St. Martin, Los Angeles Times, 13 June 2026
  • Through advanced genetic sequencing, chemotherapy and the expertise of a large medical team, doctors were able to identify a treatment approach tailored to Hadley's unique tumor.
    Dillon Thomas, CBS News, 13 June 2026
Adjective
  • In Foster the Snowman, a couple without kids take an accelerated journey through every parenting milestone when they’re forced to adopt an adorable snowman whose whole magical life will play out in just 72 hours.
    Armando Tinoco, Deadline, 18 June 2026
  • The film’s popularity has tripled business for the mystical shop and apothecary, which offers a wide range of services including magical advice, custom spell crafting, psychic readings, healing sessions, classes, clergy services, drum circles and vision quests.
    Chris Gardner, HollywoodReporter, 18 June 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Phenomenal.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/phenomenal. Accessed 21 Jun. 2026.

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