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 entity manifests more like a trick of lighting than anything corporeal. Jamie Lang, Variety, 5 Mar. 2025 Having just driven from Portland, Ore., to Seattle in the wee hours of the morning, Castro was contending with a central theme of her album in real time: the chasm between her dreams and the limits of her corporeal form. Carlos De Loera, Los Angeles Times, 22 May 2025 But the sale of these items, which some Buddhists consider corporeal remains of the Buddha, has sparked criticism. Sonja Anderson, Smithsonian Magazine, 6 May 2025 Among my friends both in the corporeal world and on the internet, Challengers is regarded as a modern classic and a clear choice for one of the ten best films of the year. Nate Jones, Vulture, 28 Jan. 2025 See All Example Sentences for corporeal
Recent Examples of Synonyms for corporeal
Adjective
  • The environmental scientist will help check the quality of local rivers, lakes and streams by testing water for physical, chemical and biological factors.
    Angela Rodriguez, Sacbee.com, 3 June 2025
  • In early-stage venture capital and startup formation—especially in deep tech and physical AI—the hardest problems cannot be solved in isolation.
    Nate Williams, Forbes.com, 3 June 2025
Adjective
  • The 36-year-old faces a charge of collision involving serious bodily injury, according to police records.
    Harriet Ramos, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 31 May 2025
  • The 1862 pension law allocated payouts in proportion to a soldier’s permanent bodily injury or disability caused by their service.
    Jamie Rowen, The Conversation, 30 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Corporeal.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/corporeal. Accessed 13 Jun. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on corporeal

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