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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 She’s had a phenomenal run as a rookie, already earning a stan name for her followers (the Fangelas) in less than ten episodes, with many advocating for Bravo to bestow her with the coveted chair next to Andy at the reunion. Ile-Ife Okantah, Vulture, 12 May 2025 And certainly, there are individuals that were in phenomenal shape. Bill Plaschke, Los Angeles Times, 11 May 2025 Both Boise restaurants enjoy phenomenal online reviews — thanks to loyal, in-the-know customer bases. Michael Deeds, Idaho Statesman, 9 May 2025 The guides do a phenomenal job of matching you up with the activities that meet your interests and fitness level. Liz Humphreys, Travel + Leisure, 1 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for phenomenal
Recent Examples of Synonyms for phenomenal
Adjective
  • Competing against 12 choirs from across California — including teams from Los Angeles County, Visalia, Sacramento, and San Diego — as well as schools from Arizona and Nevada, the young ensemble scored an extraordinary 99 out of 100 points, according to a news release.
    News Release, San Diego Union-Tribune, 9 May 2025
  • The Film Festival has a unique setting with wonderful films and extraordinary events.
    Jim Dobson, Forbes.com, 9 May 2025
Adjective
  • The anticipated 10th Anniversary season of Chef’s Table on Netflix kicked off on April 28, and the buzz surrounding the series and its superhuman subjects has been buzzing since.
    Kristin L. Wolfe, Forbes.com, 9 May 2025
  • The rise of no-code design has been like the building of a massive tower by a superhuman labor force – it’s been a whirlwind.
    John Werner, Forbes.com, 30 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • The companies that invest in neurodiversity today are unlocking game-changing innovation, future-proofing their organizations and setting a new standard for what an exceptional workplace looks like.
    Ben Semmes, Forbes.com, 20 May 2025
  • The engine of Czech youngster Mathias Vacek has been exceptional — almost single-handedly gifting Pedersen the win on stage five by bridging several gaps before performing a perfect leadout.
    Jacob Whitehead, New York Times, 19 May 2025
Adjective
  • Each week, Natasha Lyonne’s Charlie Cale would drive into a new locale, discover that a murder had taken place, and solve it using her uncanny ability to recognize when people are lying.
    Alan Sepinwall, Rolling Stone, 9 May 2025
  • The weekly Colombo-esque whodunnit follows Lyonne as Charlie Cale, a woman whose uncanny ability to spot a lie routinely gets her in trouble.
    Hannah Jackson, Vogue, 8 May 2025
Adjective
  • In that respect, Alonso is not necessarily unusual.
    Ken Rosenthal, New York Times, 15 May 2025
  • If anything seems unusual, trust your instincts and stop the communication immediately.
    Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 14 May 2025
Adjective
  • Revival — Premieres Thursday, June 12 at 10 p.m. ET/PT On one miraculous day in rural Wisconsin, the recently deceased suddenly rise from their graves.
    Tony Maglio, HollywoodReporter, 12 May 2025
  • That Jia could make anything out of that flotsam and jetsam is astonishing, but his ability to not only recreate those time frames but craft all of it into a woozy, free-floating memory piece is miraculous.
    David Fear, Rolling Stone, 9 May 2025
Adjective
  • But in the middle is this new, unique tea experience.
    Saman Shafiq, USA Today, 20 May 2025
  • My iPhones, for example, are all protected by unique, 10-digit PINs.
    Davey Winder, Forbes.com, 19 May 2025
Adjective
  • Mornings at Huka are magical as mists lift from the river and cloak the gardens of tree ferns, flax, totara, and rimu pines.
    Kendall Hill, Travel + Leisure, 15 May 2025
  • This imaginative backstory, brought to life with the help of the French film studio Gaumont, adds a magical dimension that makes Mirokaï feel more like a companion than a machine.
    Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 14 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Phenomenal.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/phenomenal. Accessed 23 May. 2025.

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