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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

Examples 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 Jonathan Bailey is also quite phenomenal in the film. Zoe G. Phillips, The Hollywood Reporter, 30 Oct. 2024 My test vehicle was equipped with Porsche’s new Adaptive Air Suspension, and the two-chamber design is phenomenal. Michael Harley, Forbes, 28 Oct. 2024 The storytelling is phenomenal, keeping viewers on the edge of their seats throughout. Samantha Bergeson, IndieWire, 22 Oct. 2024 Adding to that gift is the phenomenal team on the Frasier set. Jazmine Denise Thompson, Essence, 22 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for phenomenal 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for phenomenal
Adjective
  • Furthermore, the governor’s last extraordinary session was a transparent public-relations stunt.
    Steven Greenhut, Orange County Register, 15 Nov. 2024
  • This extension was approved at an extraordinary general meeting held on July 18, 2024.
    Quartz Bot, Quartz, 14 Nov. 2024
Adjective
  • The New York Jets are getting a superhuman effort out of starting right tackle Morgan Moses, who is playing through some painful injuries right now.
    Jesse Reed, Forbes, 4 Nov. 2024
  • After he’s bitten by a radioactive spider during a high school field trip, nerdy photographer Peter Parker (Tobey Maguire) begins to exhibit superhuman abilities.
    Declan Gallagher, EW.com, 30 Oct. 2024
Adjective
  • Its standout feature is its exceptional speed over USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 connections, providing quick file transfers, especially for large media files.
    Shubham Yewale, PCMAG, 7 Nov. 2024
  • But this election is close, almost impossibly so, because of some of the ways (good and bad) in which the United States remains exceptional.
    The New Yorker, The New Yorker, 5 Nov. 2024
Adjective
  • An avid artist from an early age, Burton’s uncanny style of drawing is inspired by these films — along with gothic novels, expressionist paintings, holiday rituals and even the illustrations of Dr Seuss.
    Tacita Quinn, CNN, 31 Oct. 2024
  • In Babygirl, his head looks like a lush, uncanny tennis ball: too short to be normal, too long to be a buzz — the clear ideal cut on a guy like him.
    Nicholas Quah, Vulture, 25 Oct. 2024
Adjective
  • It's more accurately seen as a return to the township's Republican norm, after one unusual term with a Democrat in charge.
    Bill Laytner, Detroit Free Press, 6 Nov. 2024
  • In 2016, a record-low voter turnout of 55% — an unusual milestone for an island known for high voter turnouts of 73% to 89% — as well as low numbers in the 2020 election signaled growing voter dissatisfaction with the two main parties amid the island’s financial crisis and recent natural disasters.
    Nicole Acevedo, NBC News, 6 Nov. 2024
Adjective
  • In one miraculous rescue, a woman was found alive on Saturday after being trapped in her car for three days.
    Atika Shubert, CNN, 4 Nov. 2024
  • Tom Hanks and Robin Wright age backwards and forwards through time in the trailer for Robert Zemeckis' Here Zemeckis also elaborated on the miraculous timing that allowed Who Framed Roger Rabbit to go forward in the first place.
    Ryan Coleman, EW.com, 2 Nov. 2024
Adjective
  • Separated a documentary film directed by Errol Morris Adam Kirsch In Search of Fullness In his new book, the philosopher Charles Taylor looks at modern poetry as a unique record of spiritual experience in a secular age.
    Erin Maglaque, The New York Review of Books, 15 Nov. 2024
  • Of course, different hunting conditions and different waterfowl species require unique decoying strategies.
    Joe Arterburn, Outdoor Life, 14 Nov. 2024
Adjective
  • And then there’s the merch, which ranges from baby clothes at H&M to a $499 replica of the magical Mirror of Erised at Pottery Barn.
    Jennifer Maas, Variety, 5 Nov. 2024
  • And even surprises, like a magical experience at Disneyland Paris.
    Dave Quinn, People.com, 5 Nov. 2024

Thesaurus Entries Near phenomenal

Cite this Entry

“Phenomenal.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/phenomenal. Accessed 21 Nov. 2024.

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