PHENOMENAL Synonyms: 112 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

phenomenal

adjective

fi-ˈnä-mə-nᵊl

Definition of phenomenal

as in extraordinary

being out of the ordinary the phenomenal growth that the suburb has experienced over the last decade

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in superhuman

being so extraordinary or abnormal as to suggest powers which violate the laws of nature the phenomenal ability to remember the names of thousands of people

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 This is a phenomenal period for healing, finding closure, releasing the past and embracing intuition and spirituality. — Kyle Thomas, PEOPLE, 12 July 2026 The Spa Auberge is known for its phenomenal wellness programs, and Wildflower is no exception. — Jess Feldman, Travel + Leisure, 10 July 2026 Taylor Sheridan’s ability to write these characters is phenomenal. — Jackie Strause, HollywoodReporter, 7 July 2026 Back then, their attack was charged by the likes of Hakim Ziyech on the wing and Youssef En-Nesyri’s phenomenal heading ability. — Carl Anka, New York Times, 4 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for phenomenal

Recent Examples of Synonyms for phenomenal

Adjective

The wider festival celebrated speed, engineering and extraordinary cars, while Future Lab looked at what might be waiting around the next bend.

— Bernard Marr, Forbes.com, 24 July 2026
Paying a toll can void a vessel’s entire insurance policy, creating an extraordinary risk for shipping companies.

— David Goldman, CNN Money, 24 July 2026

Definition of extraordinary

Adjective

But while in theory, a superhuman AI system might outmaneuver even the most secure containers, there are also actions AI companies could take right now to improve security.

— Harry Booth, Time, 24 July 2026
The goal ruined a superhuman effort by Argentine keeper Emiliano Martínez, who made 11 saves while playing with a fractured right ring finger that will require surgery.

— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 20 July 2026

Definition of superhuman

Adjective

Those digital Mellotrons balanced against Wilson’s dry 2000s alt-rock production cast Åkerfeldt’s ballads into a searching, uncanny drift at the outskirts of the metal landscape.

— Sam Goldner, Pitchfork, 19 July 2026
In World Cup lore, however, his gallantry is doomed to be overshadowed by that of his fellow-goalkeeper from Cabo Verde, Vozinha, who had already produced an uncanny impersonation of a brick wall on the fourth day of the tournament.

— Anthony Lane, New Yorker, 17 July 2026

Definition of uncanny

Adjective

The following season, Newcastle came third in the Premier League and Andy Cole scored 41 goals, a miraculous rise by the standards of most clubs and vertiginous for Newcastle.

— George Caulkin, New York Times, 21 July 2026
They’re tossed in a blend of malt-vinegar powder, sugar, salt, black pepper, and MSG, a miraculous combination that activates every sensory receptor simultaneously, and nearly blows out your palate for anything else.

— Helen Rosner, New Yorker, 19 July 2026

Definition of miraculous

Adjective

Many of them feature amenities like a basketball court, weight rooms and a pool, while others may have unique features like boxing gyms or an ice rink.

— Rashad Alexander, Kansas City Star, 22 July 2026
Because there’s a certain level of difficulty involved in taking a song fans know well, and expect to hear a particular way, and successfully putting a unique spin upon it.

— Jim Ryan, Forbes.com, 22 July 2026

Definition of unique

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phenomena

phenomenal

phenomenon

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“Phenomenal.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/phenomenal. Accessed 27 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of phenomenal

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