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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 Jayhawks coach Bill Self must have delivered one heck of a halftime speech, because KU’s defense was phenomenal in the second half. Shreyas Laddha, Kansas City Star, 9 Jan. 2025 Clive Owen is phenomenal as a man who discovers that there may be hope on the horizon. Brian Tallerico, Vulture, 8 Jan. 2025 But the voice reading them is that of Samuel L. Jackson, phenomenal and eclipsing—and straight. Doreen St. Félix, The New Yorker, 28 Dec. 2024 Meanwhile, speaking of Cannes, Tom Cruise took Top Gun: Maverick to the Riviera to kickstart the movie’s phenomenal box office run. Max Goldbart, Deadline, 1 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for phenomenal 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for phenomenal
Adjective
  • The seven books below follow people who faced extraordinary predicaments and, instead of caving in, found ways to push back.
    Vanessa Armstrong, The Atlantic, 10 Jan. 2025
  • Just as the space race of the 20th century drove extraordinary technological progress, the energy race is pushing new boundaries today.
    Chris Gallagher, USA TODAY, 10 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • Aside from the superhuman quarterback, perhaps the most defining feature of the Bills’ wagon of an offense is its obsession with putting a sixth lineman on the field.
    Derrik Klassen, The Athletic, 15 Jan. 2025
  • Musk is viewed by many of his fans as possessing almost superhuman time management skills, able to balance the duties of fatherhood while running multiple massive corporations, post frantically on X, and play video games.
    Dani Di Placido, Forbes, 14 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • On the palate, the wine exhibits exceptional intensity, texture, purity and a dull-bodied finish with velvety but noticeable tannins.
    Tommy Tuberville, Newsweek, 8 Jan. 2025
  • Part of that is the exceptional goaltending from Anthony Stolarz (before his injury) and Joseph Woll.
    Allan Mitchell, The Athletic, 8 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • The uncanny resilience of U.S. power lies in its structural strengths.
    Michael Beckley, Foreign Affairs, 7 Jan. 2025
  • While soon-to-be-superstar Patrick Mahomes was spending 2017 as an apprentice behind Alex Smith, another quarterback phenom was dazzling the NFL with his exceptional arm and uncanny ability to improvise and extend plays.
    Vahe Gregorian, Kansas City Star, 2 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • The viewer sees what the ghost sees, an unusual approach to the genre that pays off in a third-act twist.
    Emily Zemler, Los Angeles Times, 15 Jan. 2025
  • That helped law enforcement make the unusual traffic stop more than an hour later.
    Brian Niemietz, New York Daily News, 15 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • One mom dog who survived being shot four times shortly after giving birth to 11 puppies is making a miraculous recovery thanks to the kindness of generous donors.
    Gil Macias, People.com, 12 Jan. 2025
  • To get in touch with the miraculous Francis, the folkloric Francis, read the Fioretti, or The Little Flowers of St. Francis, a 14th-century collection of tales about the saint and his friars.
    James Parker, The Atlantic, 10 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • The Sacramento Bee 916-326-5502 Andrew Sheeler covers California’s unique political climate for The Sacramento Bee.
    Andrew Sheeler, Sacramento Bee, 7 Jan. 2025
  • With a lineup of unique and groundbreaking artists, the label is all about supporting genuine artistry and pushing the boundaries of various genres.
    SPIN Contributor, SPIN, 7 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • TikTok’s magical algorithm that keeps you hooked on the app is its secret power, and putting a price tag on such a valuable commodity that every other social media app envies is difficult.
    David Goldman, CNN, 15 Jan. 2025
  • This year, kids could play in extra bounce houses, take a magical light walk and play a life-sized wonderland board game.
    Pomerado News, San Diego Union-Tribune, 15 Jan. 2025

Thesaurus Entries Near phenomenal

Cite this Entry

“Phenomenal.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/phenomenal. Accessed 20 Jan. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on phenomenal

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