PHYSICAL Synonyms: 76 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How does the adjective 'physical' contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of physical are corporeal , material , objective , phenomenal , and sensible . While all these words mean "of or belonging to actuality," physical applies to what is perceived directly by the senses and may contrast with mental, spiritual , or imaginary . // the physical benefits of exercise

Q: When is it sensible to use 'corporeal' instead of 'physical'?

Although the words corporeal and physical 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

Q: When is 'material' a more appropriate choice than 'physical'?

The words material and physical are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, material implies formation out of tangible matter; used in contrast with spiritual or ideal it may connote the mundane, crass, or grasping. // material values

Q: When would 'objective' be a good substitute for 'physical'?

In some situations, the words objective and physical are roughly equivalent. However, objective may stress material or independent existence apart from a subject perceiving it. // no objective evidence of damage

Q: Where would 'phenomenal' be a reasonable alternative to 'physical'?

The meanings of phenomenal and physical largely overlap; however, phenomenal applies to what is known or perceived through the senses rather than by intuition or rational deduction. // scientists concerned with the phenomenal world

Q: When could 'sensible' be used to replace 'physical'?

The words sensible and physical can be used in similar contexts, but sensible stresses the capability of readily or forcibly impressing the senses. // the earth's rotation is not sensible to us

physical

adjective

ˈfi-zi-kəl

Definition of physical next

as in bodily

of or relating to the human body physical sensations such as heat and pain

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in concrete

relating to or composed of matter couldn't tell the difference between a physical object and a shadow in the dim light

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective physical contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of physical are corporeal, material, objective, phenomenal, and sensible. While all these words mean "of or belonging to actuality," physical applies to what is perceived directly by the senses and may contrast with mental, spiritual, or imaginary.

the physical benefits of exercise

When is it sensible to use corporeal instead of physical?

Although the words corporeal and physical 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 is material a more appropriate choice than physical?

The words material and physical are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, 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 would objective be a good substitute for physical?

In some situations, the words objective and physical are roughly equivalent. However, objective may stress material or independent existence apart from a subject perceiving it.

no objective evidence of damage

Where would phenomenal be a reasonable alternative to physical?

The meanings of phenomenal and physical largely overlap; however, 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 could sensible be used to replace physical?

The words sensible and physical can be used in similar contexts, but 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 physical The week after the movie opened, digital and physical Dylan album sales nearly doubled, with Bob Dylan and The Freewheelin’ Bob Dylan (both part of the film’s narrative) and his original Greatest Hits leading the way. —

David Browne, Rolling Stone, 14 Feb. 2025 There are no acoustic or physical compromises in pressing using BioVinyl and the additional cost is negligible ($.40 per black vinyl, $.80 per color vinyl). —

Lily Moayeri, SPIN, 14 Feb. 2025 Since then, Janice, who is now 73, has seen the emotional, physical and financial strain of needing care and spoke to ABC News about often feeling like a burden to her son. —

Sarah Baniak, ABC News, 14 Feb. 2025 Still, the issue gets addressed upfront, as Severo justifies her show by discussing her own life and physical challenges and, basically, her search for the essence of Kahlo, a woman who also lived through significant physical and psychological challenges. —

Chris Jones, Chicago Tribune, 3 Feb. 2025 See all Example Sentences for physical

Recent Examples of Synonyms for physical

Adjective

He is charged with conspiracy, attacking civilians, murder in violation of the law or war, terrorism, hijacking or hazarding a vessel or aircraft and intentionally causing serious bodily injury.

— Sarah Rumpf-Whitten, Fox News, 8 Feb. 2025
The Chicago Heights teen, 17, pleaded guilty Jan. 10 to strangulation and domestic battery resulting in moderate bodily injury, both Level 6 felonies.

— Meredith Colias-Pete, Chicago Tribune, 7 Feb. 2025