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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 The vibe was phenomenal, and the hot, sunny weather, which positively shimmered across Lake Annecy, didn’t exactly hinder things. Max Goldbart, Deadline, 13 June 2025 So to get six nominations for the show was just phenomenal and incredible. Raven Brunner, People.com, 9 June 2025 This is a phenomenal moment for emotional expansion and personal growth, as well as being able to have a sympathetic approach to worldly matters. Lisa Stardust, Refinery29, 5 June 2025 Just how far can even the most phenomenal 40-year-old take it? Jim Alexander, Oc Register, 5 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for phenomenal
Recent Examples of Synonyms for phenomenal
Adjective
  • 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
  • But Madigan’s extraordinary four days of testimony, in the end, weren’t enough.
    Ray Long, Chicago Tribune, 15 June 2025
Adjective
  • With his sword, superhuman strength, and loyal friends, He-Man defends Eternia and the secrets of Castle Grayskull from the forces of the evil sorcerer Skeletor.
    Shania Russell, EW.com, 15 June 2025
  • Previously, Munn played tenacious news journalist Sloan Sabbith on Aaron Sorkin’s The Newsroom series, as well as known for playing superhuman mutant Betsy Braddock in X-Men: Apocalypse.
    Jeff Conway, Forbes.com, 12 June 2025
Adjective
  • 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
  • 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
Adjective
  • Wilson demonstrated an uncanny gift for harmonic invention and complex vocal and instrumental arrangements.
    Roy Trakin, HollywoodReporter, 11 June 2025
  • Celebrating its 20th anniversary this year, there is a reason this haunting, uncanny novel has such enduring appeal.
    Miriam Gershow June 9, Literary Hub, 9 June 2025
Adjective
  • Is there a relationship between writing and fiction and unusual height?
    Jane Smiley June 20, Literary Hub, 20 June 2025
  • An unusual addition to a historic cityscape courtesy of artist Jason Jones.
    David Morgan, CBS News, 20 June 2025
Adjective
  • In genre-bender Death of a Unicorn, starring Paul Rudd and Jenna Ortega, a father (Rudd) and daughter (Ortega) accidentally hit and kill a unicorn while en route to a weekend retreat, where his billionaire boss (Richard E. Grant) seeks to exploit the creature’s miraculous curative properties.
    Matt Grobar, Deadline, 18 June 2025
  • My father is a miraculous man as MAGA movement marks 10 years.
    , FOXNews.com, 17 June 2025
Adjective
  • Bo's Bird Dogs are actually chicken tenders dressed up like a dog, giving it a unique Carolina twist.
    Melissa Locker, Southern Living, 24 June 2025
  • The mayoral primary’s two leading candidates — one a fresh-faced progressive and the other an older moderate — could be stand-ins for the larger Democratic Party’s ideological divide, though Cuomo’s scandal-scarred past adds a unique tinge to the narrative.
    Anthony Izaguirre, Chicago Tribune, 24 June 2025
Adjective
  • The magical moment made Cyrus the first official guest performer of the tour.
    Amber Corrine, VIBE.com, 20 June 2025
  • Lionel Messi’s free kick from just outside the Porto penalty area in the 54th minute provided this Club World Cup with its first magical moment.
    Felipe Cardenas, New York Times, 20 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Phenomenal.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/phenomenal. Accessed 28 Jun. 2025.

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