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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 Daniel Jones, who had a phenomenal debut with the Indianapolis Colts on Sunday, was ousted midseason in 2024 due to poor performance. Scott Thompson, FOXNews.com, 8 Sep. 2025 Jesus Luzardo, making his second start in Miami since being traded to the Philadelphia Phillies last December, looked phenomenal. Alex Krutchik, Miami Herald, 6 Sep. 2025 Following its phenomenal global success, will KPop Demon Hunters inform or be reflected in Perfect Girl? Andreas Wiseman, Deadline, 4 Sep. 2025 So why not combine those twin Italian passions, superb sport and phenomenal food, in a single experience? Mark Ellwood, Robb Report, 2 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for phenomenal
Recent Examples of Synonyms for phenomenal
Adjective
  • These systems offer extraordinary capabilities for climate modeling, resource optimization and ecological monitoring.
    Cornelia C. Walther, Forbes.com, 16 Sep. 2025
  • But parents still have extraordinary power and influence to help their sons navigate the confusing digital messaging onslaught found on their social media feeds.
    Ashleigh N. DeLuca, Parents, 16 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Stuart sees a 20% chance that progress will continue until AI achieves superhuman intelligence.
    Dev Patnaik, Forbes.com, 9 Sep. 2025
  • Victor fine-tunes his research, and eventually succeeds in bringing to life a patchwork man of superhuman strength, put together with body parts plucked from corpses left behind on a battlefield.
    Stephanie Zacharek, Time, 30 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • The plane, equipped with state-of-the-art technologies, offers exceptional performance and durability.
    Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 12 Sep. 2025
  • Understanding the mechanics behind these exceptional arms can also be applied to neuroscience and could lead to more robots inspired by these adaptable creatures.
    Laura Baisas, Popular Science, 11 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Of course, the resemblance was uncanny, from their matching smiles to their auburn-red hair, which Julia wore down in loose waves and Emma styled in a messy ponytail.
    Emily Tannenbaum, Glamour, 11 Sep. 2025
  • The job requires an uncanny ability to sell each bit of incremental progress as a success in and of itself.
    Nicholas Florko, The Atlantic, 11 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • This is an unusual feature for a screen that’s designed for color-critical design tasks.
    Mark Sparrow, Forbes.com, 14 Sep. 2025
  • When Macron was here, Mick Jagger was there with his girlfriend, which is quite unusual.
    Stephanie Nolasco, FOXNews.com, 14 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Bradley McCroskey caught a miraculous 26-yard touchdown pass on the final play of regulation, then Temi Ericson raced nearly untouched for a 25-yard TD in overtime to give the Indians a 34-28 victory.
    Jordan Neal, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 13 Sep. 2025
  • Every bite elicits wonder, provoking a quiet moment of gratitude for this lush, miraculous habitat.
    The Bon Appétit Staff, Bon Appetit Magazine, 12 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • After the shell is created, it is filled with a unique silicone gel, which helps give the implant a soft, natural look and feel.
    Megan McIntyre, Allure, 16 Sep. 2025
  • The Hilfigers have lived in many places from Manhattan to the Caribbean island of Mustique, and each of their homes is different and exudes a unique approach to design and life.
    Lisa Lockwood, Footwear News, 16 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • The plaque used the words magical, alluring, galvanizing and adventurous, and their initials spelled MAGA.
    Jackson Thompson, FOXNews.com, 12 Sep. 2025
  • Or, for something simpler and just as magical, step outside after dark and watch the Milky Way stretch and swirl above you.
    Lauren Dana Ellman, Travel + Leisure, 12 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Phenomenal.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/phenomenal. Accessed 18 Sep. 2025.

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