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 No sooner are they spoken than the phenomenal, speaker-busting score by the experimental folk band Lankum crashes into the space. — Sara Holdren, Vulture, 3 Nov. 2026 Beetz is phenomenal as a young woman rocked by her own broken family history, willing to put herself in harm’s way to stop Jurek’s terror. — Aramide Tinubu, Variety, 30 Oct. 2026 Pippa and Alison bring hugely valuable and complementary perspectives, from the craft and ambition behind some of the world’s most successful film and television productions to the phenomenal growth of digital creators and new platforms. — Max Goldbart, Deadline, 29 Oct. 2026 The stock had a phenomenal run this year, climbing as much as 635% at its peak. — Steve Grasso, CNBC, 29 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for phenomenal
Recent Examples of Synonyms for phenomenal
Adjective
  • The extraordinary beginnings of Stallone’s breakout film were explained in a New York Times interview soon after Rocky‘s release.
    — Jack Smart, PEOPLE, 6 Nov. 2026
  • Given the extraordinary circumstances around this review, going anywhere else for photos felt almost dishonest.
    — Kevin Fanady, New Atlas, 6 Nov. 2026
Adjective
  • Due to a freak accident, Stretch Dude (Bart) and Clobber Girl (Lisa) have superhuman abilities.
    — Joshua Kurp, Vulture, 26 Oct. 2026
  • In polyphonic music such as Bach, Van Bloss offers a superhuman degree of precision and individuality.
    — Mike Hamersly, Miami Herald, 12 Oct. 2026
Adjective
  • While Shelby was clearly an exceptional candidate, his success was largely predicated on your failures.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 9 Nov. 2026
  • Why the semiconductor industry is interested in diamond One of diamond’s most attractive properties is its exceptional thermal conductivity.
    — Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 7 Nov. 2026
Adjective
  • Dowler-Guerrero said Raman had an uncanny ability to get people organized and always had an unwavering belief in her own ability to get things done.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 2 Nov. 2026
  • The suggestion is that the algorithms responsible for animating his uncanny likeness have also managed to bring him back from the dead, reassembling him piece by piece.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 30 Oct. 2026
Adjective
  • The Wiles interviews stuck out for their candor, which is unusual for a sitting White House chief of staff.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 7 Nov. 2026
  • Claude can also flag unusual transactions, duplicate charges, unexpected fees and bills that have gradually increased.
    — Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 6 Nov. 2026
Adjective
  • Senior backup quarterback Max Cutforth entered the game in Madsen’s absence and led the Broncos on a miraculous, back-and-forth comeback.
    — Shaun Goodwin, Idaho Statesman, 1 Nov. 2026
  • Jones later threw an interception in the end zone from the Georgia 3, ending any chance for a miraculous comeback with five minutes to go in the third.
    — Edgar Thompson, The Orlando Sentinel, 1 Nov. 2026
Adjective
  • Aleksandra Karapetrova, an alpine enthusiast and environmental scientist at the University of California, Riverside, used her unique skill set to find that microplastics are present in remote Sierra Nevada mountain snow reachable only on skis.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 9 Nov. 2026
  • Air ambulance services, though, come with unique challenges, particularly since the COVID-19 pandemic.
    — Elaine Appleton-Grant, NPR, 8 Nov. 2026
Adjective
  • Sayers holds that mark at 22 with 14 rushing touchdowns, six receiving, one punt return and one kickoff return in that magical 1965 season.
    — Brad Biggs, Chicago Tribune, 5 Nov. 2026
  • Of course, this project is an invitation to add more magical beings to the MCU and explore the Strange-adjacent side of it.
    — Fran Ruiz, Space.com, 4 Nov. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Phenomenal.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/phenomenal. Accessed 10 Nov. 2026.

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