Definition of physicalnext

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 That places them within the typical size range for a leaf-toed gecko, but the combination of physical traits — particularly prominent white spikes across a slender body frame — sets them apart visually. Ryan Brennan, Charlotte Observer, 20 Feb. 2026 When Amazon revealed the Blue Jay system, the company said it was designed to give employees a breather from repetitive physical tasks like reaching for, lifting and stowing items to focus on work like quality control and problem-solving. Glenn Taylor, Sourcing Journal, 20 Feb. 2026 Lowe’s uses its large network of local flooring companies to handle all of the physical installation work, so everything after the initial measurements is subcontracted. Dan Simms, USA Today, 20 Feb. 2026 That instinct drove everything, including the film’s demanding physical sequences. Clayton Davis, Variety, 20 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for physical
Recent Examples of Synonyms for physical
Adjective
  • Jose Martins, of Brockton, was charged with assault and battery by means of a dangerous weapon (a knife) and assault and battery with serious bodily injury, according to Brockton Police.
    Colleen Cronin, Boston Herald, 18 Feb. 2026
  • Hernandez pleaded no contest to charges that included a pair of enhancements for great bodily harm to a victim younger than 5 and willful harm or injury to a child that resulted in death in the commission of child abuse.
    Andrew J. Campa, Los Angeles Times, 18 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • What This Funding Model Offers The MCOE provides a concrete example of how unconventional funding sources, established NGO expertise, and national government partnership can converge over time.
    Ryan Brennan, Miami Herald, 17 Feb. 2026
  • Separately, there hasn't been a concrete update on the video game adaptation that was announced back in 2023.
    Nick Romano, Entertainment Weekly, 17 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • Because so many anatomical and physiological traits differ between the two animals, the specific impact of limb mass distribution could not be isolated.
    Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 11 Feb. 2026
  • Woodhull’s methodology is rooted in physiological grounding techniques, aiming to regulate heart rate variability and support emotional control and focus.
    Matthew Kayser, USA Today, 10 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • Still, that leaves a substantial audience who will find much to enjoy in this grisly yet sensitive take on the old maxim that every baby is different.
    Catherine Bray, Variety, 14 Feb. 2026
  • Governor Abbott’s property tax reform plan includes a constitutional amendment to abolish school district maintenance & operations property taxes for homeowners, which will result in substantial property tax savings.
    Eleanor Dearman, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 14 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • No corporeal zone was off-limits either, as previously undiscussed body parts were platformed in new ways.
    Leah Dolan, CNN Money, 23 Dec. 2025
  • The massive and systematic erasure of the subject’s corporeal or cranial profiles under the promises of collectivized universal freedom has suddenly acquired the features of the fascist unifier, if not yet worn with the pride of a helmet, then at least with that of an armband or a brassard.
    Benjamin H. D. Buchloh, Artforum, 1 Dec. 2025
Adjective
  • Tenuous evidence of mass exodus Sensor Tower’s user data more fundamentally seems to suggest that beyond anecdotal claims, users have largely been unable to identify tangible changes in TikTok’s American operations, or at least, not enough to meaningfully shift user sentiment.
    Matthew Chin, CNBC, 16 Feb. 2026
  • By building a motor from visible, understandable parts, Jamie makes electromagnetism tangible.
    Rupendra Brahambhatt, Interesting Engineering, 15 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • When Hamnet dies, Agnes lets out a sound of pure grief and rage and horror that is almost animal.
    Antonia Blyth, Deadline, 16 Feb. 2026
  • And much like the fictional sport’s real-world counterpart, in this all-animal cinematic universe, roarball is the ultimate culture-definer.
    Payton Turkeltaub, Variety, 13 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • Devote a day to therapies like acupuncture, reflexology, and somatic healing at Four Moons Spa and work up an appetite for a meal at one of Fox Point Farms’ hyperlocal eateries, such as Harvest Market or Haven Farm to Table.
    Jen Murphy, Outside, 1 Feb. 2026
  • While centering on twenty-first-century rhetoric, IPS programs often incorporate embodied learning models including meditation, somatic movement, play, collaborative cooking, and other experiential activities alongside presentations, discussions, and publications.
    Catherine Taft, Artforum, 1 Feb. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Physical.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/physical. Accessed 21 Feb. 2026.

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