Definition of corporealnext

Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective corporeal contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of corporeal are material, objective, phenomenal, physical, and sensible. While all these words mean "of or belonging to actuality," 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 can material be used instead of corporeal?

The meanings of material and corporeal largely overlap; however, 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 corporeal?

While the synonyms objective and corporeal are close in meaning, objective may stress material or independent existence apart from a subject perceiving it.

no objective evidence of damage

In what contexts can phenomenal take the place of corporeal?

While in some cases nearly identical to corporeal, 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 is it sensible to use physical instead of corporeal?

The words physical and corporeal can be used in similar contexts, but physical applies to what is perceived directly by the senses and may contrast with mental, spiritual, or imaginary.

the physical benefits of exercise

When would sensible be a good substitute for corporeal?

The synonyms sensible and corporeal are sometimes interchangeable, 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 corporeal The theme parks, cruises, resorts and other real-world, very corporeal parts of Experiences indubitably will be a much bigger source of Disney profits in this looming era than even the company’s storied film, animation and TV studios. David Bloom, Forbes.com, 22 Apr. 2026 Lowery manifests that vision as a swirling tangle of red fabric that acquires an almost corporeal form, a mesmerizing jolt of color in the sumptuous darkness of DP Andrew Droz Palermo’s visuals (Rina Yang shot the concert scenes). David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 14 Apr. 2026 However, Voldemort's full corporeal form does not emerge until the fourth book in the series, Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire — the adaptation of which marked Fiennes' first appearance in the film series. Wesley Stenzel, Entertainment Weekly, 11 Apr. 2026 The group grew physically weak, wasting away until there was little left of their corporeal selves but skin and bones. Namir Khaliq, Big Think, 31 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for corporeal
Recent Examples of Synonyms for corporeal
Adjective
  • Taken to its most extreme logic of detachment from humanity, exerting the the will into a detachment from one’s physical life—the Romans called it suicide.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 15 Sep. 2026
  • The physical security industry is undergoing a structural shift.
    Robert Messer, Forbes.com, 15 Sep. 2026
Adjective
  • He was convicted of felony domestic violence in the presence of a child along with a sentencing enhancement for infliction of great bodily injury, the Prosecutor’s Office said in a news release.
    Alex Brizee, Idaho Statesman, 11 Sep. 2026
  • The charges against include federal hate crimes and damaging religious property resulting in bodily injury.
    Ariella Noveck, FOXNews.com, 10 Sep. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Corporeal.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/corporeal. Accessed 17 Sep. 2026.

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