Definition of phenomenalnext
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Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective phenomenal contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of phenomenal are corporeal, material, objective, physical, and sensible. While all these words mean "of or belonging to actuality," 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 would corporeal be a good substitute for phenomenal?

Although the words corporeal and phenomenal 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 could material be used to replace phenomenal?

The synonyms material and phenomenal are sometimes interchangeable, but 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 phenomenal?

The meanings of objective and phenomenal largely overlap; however, objective may stress material or independent existence apart from a subject perceiving it.

no objective evidence of damage

When is it sensible to use physical instead of phenomenal?

The words physical and phenomenal are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, physical applies to what is perceived directly by the senses and may contrast with mental, spiritual, or imaginary.

the physical benefits of exercise

In what contexts can sensible take the place of phenomenal?

While the synonyms sensible and phenomenal are close in meaning, 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 phenomenal Lee calls Allen ‘phenomenal’ player Charles Lee, the Hornets’ coach, was an assistant coach in Milwaukee when Allen played there and was an advocate for Allen joining Charlotte. — Scott Fowler, Charlotte Observer, 30 Sep. 2026 That’s how phenomenal OG RHONY is, that someone’s real-estate agent can become an iconic figure. — Tom Smyth, Vulture, 28 Sep. 2026 Francesca Ragazzi, head of editorial content, Vogue Italia The show was phenomenal. — Lucy Maguire, Vogue, 25 Sep. 2026 Boston also wasted a phenomenal effort from starter Brayan Bello, who matched a career high with 11 strikeouts. — ABC News, 19 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for phenomenal
Recent Examples of Synonyms for phenomenal
Adjective
  • Alongside Parton’s thousands of remarkable songs, the singer’s extraordinary life and career reached beyond music.
    — Charisma Madarang, Rolling Stone, 9 Oct. 2026
  • Hill’s departure marks the end of an extraordinary run in one of heavy metal’s defining bands.
    — SPIN Staff, SPIN, 9 Oct. 2026
Adjective
  • Indeed, Trump has a unique, almost superhuman ability to bury bad news until supporters and detractors alike are no longer talking about issues and failures that would sink virtually any other politician.
    — Jeffrey Sonnenfeld, Time, 7 Oct. 2026
  • As if successful people have some superhuman reserve of self-control the rest of us are missing.
    — Ben Meer, CNBC, 7 Oct. 2026
Adjective
  • The lifestyle here is anchored by an exceptional collection of amenities.
    — Robb Report Studio, Robb Report, 12 Oct. 2026
  • The territory is also looking at its exceptional biodiversity as a platform for innovation, particularly in beauty, pharmaceuticals and healthcare.
    — Panorama Media Ltd, Miami Herald, 9 Oct. 2026
Adjective
  • Its obvious artificiality and absurdity fit neatly into an online meme culture that often revels in the uncanny.
    — Angela Yang, NBC news, 7 Oct. 2026
  • All of this is part of Flanagan’s general preference for giving characters the benefit of the doubt and for grounding the eerie and the uncanny in our lived experiences.
    — Roxana Hadadi, Vulture, 6 Oct. 2026
Adjective
  • Atomic hydrogen’s unusual reactivity could potentially be useful in other areas of organic chemistry and, over the longer term, biological sciences.
    — Jijo Malayil, Interesting Engineering, 9 Oct. 2026
  • The unusual diversion also led to discussion among travelers online, some of whom shared their own experiences with restroom problems aboard flights.
    — Kelly McGreal, FOXNews.com, 9 Oct. 2026
Adjective
  • But this success, of course, has not happened in a miraculous silo.
    — Rafa Sales Ross, Variety, 7 Oct. 2026
  • My dad found the blog of a man who claimed to cure his Stage 4 lung cancer with a regimen of fenbendazole, a miraculous recovery that stumped his oncologists.
    — Trisha Thadani Kirsten Potter Tanya Pérez Devin Murphy, New York Times, 4 Oct. 2026
Adjective
  • That unique gallery purchased the building in 2018 for $3 million, but officials there didn’t begin planning its future in earnest until Cap City vacated its lease and closed in July 2025.
    — John Wenzel, Denver Post, 11 Oct. 2026
  • On Saturday, the singer and talk show host took to X to share details of her recent experience at Art of Play, a store known for its collection of toys, games, books, puzzles and other unique items.
    — Christina Dugan Ramirez, FOXNews.com, 11 Oct. 2026
Adjective
  • Likewise, many a technology before – from electricity and the telegraph to phone and radio – have been heralded as sublime, magical, revolutionary, and terrifying.
    — Michael Serazio, Fortune, 9 Oct. 2026
  • Makeup pros told us that a bold lip and minimal makeup would be huge this fall, so Moore's magical magenta pick comes right on time.
    — Kara Nesvig, Allure, 8 Oct. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Phenomenal.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/phenomenal. Accessed 13 Oct. 2026.

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