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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 Bech was a phenomenal route runner and had excellent hands. Steven Johnson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 17 July 2025 But Painkiller-adjacent recipes can be phenomenal—some incorporate lime and/or passionfruit to shock the whole thing to life, and some just use a different rum to add richness. Jeremy Repanich, Robb Report, 11 July 2025 These investments have leveraged nearly $650 million in state bond allocations — a phenomenal return. Walter Duke Iii, Sun Sentinel, 10 July 2025 An errant drive on No. 18 forced Curry to consider three different shots before a phenomenal approach shot that led to his birdie. Cam Inman, Mercury News, 11 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for phenomenal
Recent Examples of Synonyms for phenomenal
Adjective
  • The path to extraordinary results starts with recognizing what already comes naturally to you.
    Jodie Cook, Forbes.com, 21 July 2025
  • While the star attractions, Hidden Dune and Star Dune, tower approximately 750 feet above the valley floor, one of the park’s extraordinary features is Medano Creek, a seasonal stream that emerges in spring and early summer.
    Taryn White, Travel + Leisure, 20 July 2025
Adjective
  • Libidinal hip-hop has vanished from the charts, now the province of artists who narrate their mental health struggles rather than their superhuman urges or tastes.
    Armin Rosen, The Washington Examiner, 25 July 2025
  • Mister Terrific technically possesses no true superhuman powers other than being extraordinarily smart.
    Jeff Spry, Space.com, 9 July 2025
Adjective
  • Looking at data statewide, more half of Texas three months ago was in severe, extreme or exceptional (level 4 of 4) drought.
    Mary Wasson, Austin American Statesman, 18 July 2025
  • Her work in front of and behind the camera has been exceptional.
    Banseka Kayembe, Refinery29, 18 July 2025
Adjective
  • There is also a slightly uncanny aspect to FedEx that felt fitting.
    Cressida Leyshon, New Yorker, 20 July 2025
  • Not so long ago in a living room not too far away, an uncanny replica of K-2SO stands at seven-feet tall in front of Ermer Twano’s television set.
    Olivia Petty, San Diego Union-Tribune, 18 July 2025
Adjective
  • Summer storms cause travel headaches every year, but these numbers are not unusual.
    Zach Wichter, USA Today, 26 July 2025
  • Their target area was unusual, though: a strip of lawn between the road and a fence bordering Interstate 65, where homeless people have set up about two dozen tents over the first half of this year.
    Jordan Smith, IndyStar, 26 July 2025
Adjective
  • Osbourne’s public rebirth with The Osbournes—the MTV reality series that ran from 2002 to 2005—transmuted his erratic nature and past struggles into a miraculous joke.
    Spencer Kornhaber, The Atlantic, 23 July 2025
  • The original statue in Manila was brought to the Philippines in 1606 and faithful around the world have attributed miraculous healing properties to the statue.
    Emilie Takahashi, Oc Register, 22 July 2025
Adjective
  • As always, however, IT leaders will need to balance their deployment plans with cost-management efforts that address the unique capabilities of agentic AI.
    Forbes.com, Forbes.com, 16 July 2025
  • His 1959 Gibson Les Paul is itself a legendary instrument among guitarists, known to have a unique tone because one of its pickups was placed in the guitar upside down.
    Ethan Millman, HollywoodReporter, 15 July 2025
Adjective
  • But forget logic, because everything about Dillon’s magical run has defied logic.
    Jeff Gluck, New York Times, 26 July 2025
  • After encountering a magical heart in the forest, strange things start happening around her.
    Paul Tassi, Forbes.com, 26 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Phenomenal.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/phenomenal. Accessed 29 Jul. 2025.

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