physical

adjective

phys·i·cal | \ˈfi-zi-kəl

Definition of physical

(Entry 1 of 2)

1a : of or relating to natural science

b(1) : of or relating to physics

(2) : characterized or produced by the forces and operations of physics

2a : having material existence : perceptible especially through the senses and subject to the laws of nature everything physical is measurable by weight, motion, and resistance— Thomas De Quincey

b : of or relating to material things

3a : of or relating to the body physical abuse

b(1) : concerned or preoccupied with the body and its needs : carnal physical appetites

(2) : sexual a physical love affair physical attraction

c : characterized by especially rugged and forceful physical activity : rough a physical hockey game a physical player

physical

noun

Definition of physical (Entry 2 of 2)

: physical examination

Other Words from physical Synonyms & Antonyms Choose the Right Synonym More Example Sentences Learn More about physical

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Synonyms & Antonyms for physical

Synonyms: Adjective

concrete, material, substantial

Antonyms: Adjective

immaterial, nonmaterial, nonphysical

Choose the Right Synonym for physical

Adjective

material, physical, corporeal, phenomenal, sensible, objective mean of or belonging to actuality. material implies formation out of tangible matter; used in contrast with spiritual or ideal it may connote the mundane, crass, or grasping. material values physical applies to what is perceived directly by the senses and may contrast with mental, spiritual, or imaginary. the physical benefits of exercise corporeal implies having the tangible qualities of a body such as shape, size, or resistance to force. artists have portrayed angels as corporeal beings phenomenal applies to what is known or perceived through the senses rather than by intuition or rational deduction. scientists concerned with the phenomenal world sensible stresses the capability of readily or forcibly impressing the senses. the earth's rotation is not sensible to us objective may stress material or independent existence apart from a subject perceiving it. no objective evidence of damage

Examples of physical in a Sentence

Adjective

The program is designed to address both physical and emotional health. No physical contact with other players is allowed in the game. He has an unusual physical appearance. There was no physical evidence of the crime. Their relationship was purely physical.

Recent Examples on the Web: Adjective

Leon Arthur Kirk Doniphan is charged with tampering with physical evidence. — Max Londberg, kansascity, "Security guards with Overland Park firm murder man in car outside KC bar, police say," 11 July 2018 The focus now turns to the physical and psychological health of the boys. — USA TODAY, "The two words we've waited for from Thailand: 'Everyone safe'," 10 July 2018 Another one of the big changes this year was just the physical appearance of the place. — David Sharos, Aurora Beacon-News, "Fox Valley Rodeo draws families, fans who 'want to see some cowboys'," 8 July 2018 The lawsuit claims Young's sensory examination of Johnson was done without the proper equipment and led Young to recommend that Johnson's issues were psychological not physical and there was no need to transfer him to a different hospital. — Bruce Vielmetti, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, "Mother opposes father's share of settlement in son's death at the Milwaukee County Mental Health Complex," 6 July 2018 Because soft tissues like testicles preserve poorly in the fossil record, no physical evidence of ancestral testes remain, and the location of ancestral mammalian testes has remained elusive. — Katherine J. Wu, Smithsonian, "The Earliest Mammals Kept Their Cool With Descended Testicles," 28 June 2018 Gebhardt’s lawyer said the state lacked physical evidence linking him to the crime and were reliant on testimony from opportunistic witnesses — six of whom are currently incarcerated — who only came forward in hopes of reducing their sentences. — Christian Boone, ajc, "Judge in cold case murder: ‘Hopefully, sir, you have stabbed your last victim’," 26 June 2018 Although no physical evidence connected him to the crimes, a jury convicted him to a life sentence based on his statements to the investigators. — Monica Rodriguez, Fortune, "Supreme Court Turns Away Netflix 'Making a Murderer' Case," 25 June 2018 Rivera, 34, is charged with tampering or fabricating physical evidence with intent to impair an investigation, and is being held on $250,000 bond. — Matthew Martinez, star-telegram, "Naked boy washed up on Texas beach 8 months ago. His mom, her girlfriend are in jail," 20 June 2018

Recent Examples on the Web: Noun

The urgent care, located in Terminal 4, is equipped to offer patients physicals, drug tests, lab tests, X-rays and prescriptions, as well as treat numerous ailments and injuries. — Samie Gebers, azcentral, "Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport opens urgent care to treat travelers, employees," 25 Apr. 2018 Third-rounder Owen Miller of Illinois State headlines the initial group of signees who’ve reported to Peoria, Ariz., for physicals and the start of their professional careers. — Jeff Sanders, sandiegouniontribune.com, "Padres sign Illinois State's Owen Miller, 18 others from 2018 draft class," 12 June 2018 Strauss’ primary job was to give wrestlers physicals, treat them for injuries and monitor their health, DiSabato said. — NBC News, "Powerful GOP Rep. Jim Jordan accused of turning blind eye to sexual abuse as Ohio State wrestling coach," 3 July 2018 His exit physical in January uncovered an injury to a disk at the C2 and C3 vertebrae in his neck, threatening the spinal cord. — Albert Breer, SI.com, "A Spectator in Minicamp Week: Eric Wood on Retirement," 14 June 2018 So if all 24 rookie free agents pass their physicals and sign, the Cardinals would have to make roster moves to accommodate them. — Kent Somers, azcentral, "Arizona Cardinals agree to terms with 24 rookie free agents," 30 Apr. 2018 Some said Strauss groped them barehanded during physicals, had them drop their pants even while examining them for a cough or heartburn, and badgered students to go home with him. — James Freeman, WSJ, "Jim Jordan and Ohio State," 10 July 2018 Some said Strauss groped them barehanded during physicals, had them drop their pants even while examining them for a cough or heartburn, and badgered students to go home with him. — CBS News, "Ohio State doctor who killed himself accused of decades-long sexual misconduct," 6 July 2018 The Dust Devils will also add a handful of players from the 2018 draft class, some of which were expected to report for physicals Tuesday. — Jeff Sanders, sandiegouniontribune.com, "Tri-City Dust Devils set roster," 12 June 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'physical.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.