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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 Chaves and his creative team have done a phenomenal job of making London and Hertfordshire look like Philadelphia. Simon Thompson, Forbes.com, 3 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 Despite the difficult loss, the crowd's reaction provided an especially phenomenal highlight moment for Styles during his legendary career. Matthew Couden, MSNBC Newsweek, 1 Sep. 2025 The energy around this team and this coaching staff has been phenomenal. Steve Millar, Chicago Tribune, 30 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for phenomenal
Recent Examples of Synonyms for phenomenal
Adjective
  • Jacqueline Burnett and David Schultz’s extraordinary careers at Hubbard Street date back to 2009.
    Lauren Warnecke, Chicago Tribune, 3 Sep. 2025
  • Astronomers made the rare and extraordinary discovery of an interstellar object in our own solar system on July 1, 2025, sparking a scramble to study the mysterious visitor.
    Andrew Jones, Space.com, 3 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • 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
  • As medical students, it's seen as a strength to stay up all night, work 100 hours a week, say yes to everything asked of you, and perform your duties with an almost superhuman level of perfection, Ehrenfeld said.
    Natalie Eilbert, jsonline.com, 26 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • Angela Grothaus and Lisa Human have been promoted to partners, recognizing their exceptional leadership and dedication to client service, the release said.
    Post-Tribune, Chicago Tribune, 5 Sep. 2025
  • The ceremony will also recognize Brunello Cucinelli, who will receive the Outstanding Achievement Award for exceptional contributions and lasting impact on the fashion industry.
    Essence, Essence, 4 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • The company’s extraordinary rise from an upstart carmaker to a global force in sustainable energy and transport has been fueled by his relentless ambition and uncanny ability to attract capital.
    Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 5 Sep. 2025
  • Although Romano rightly considered her depictions of dreams to be realistic, the book itself, with its uncanny, fragmented narratives, could not have been more distinct from the neorealist literature that was in vogue at the time.
    Brian Robert Moore September 5, Literary Hub, 5 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Because our mulch is rubber, this seemed unusual, and out of caution, the guardian was called immediately.
    Latoya Gayle, PEOPLE, 8 Sep. 2025
  • Routh, who is representing himself, has filed unusual motions requesting strippers and a golf round with the president.
    Kinsey Crowley, USA Today, 7 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • The book—or rather, the section of the book that covers the miraculous story of the school bus that McKay drove to safety after responding to an emergency call—became the basis of Greengrass’ movie co-written by Mare of Easttown creator Brad Ingelsby.
    Tomris Laffly, Time, 6 Sep. 2025
  • The 22-year-old stole a miraculous, all-American hero set point against Adrian Mannarino and the crowd were up for it.
    Tim Ellis, Forbes.com, 31 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • Their goal was to find an IP address — the unique identifier assigned to every cell phone and computer — that could reveal the source.
    Samantha Stutsman, People.com, 3 Sep. 2025
  • That part of my practice involves a mix of legal strategy, negotiation and creative problem-solving, which makes every case unique and keeps the work engaging.
    Kelly Phillips Erb, Forbes.com, 3 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • One such factor might be the user awareness of AI, gauged by their literacy about AI and the assigning of a magical aura to AI.
    Lance Eliot, Forbes.com, 6 Sep. 2025
  • The sound of K-pop also hums through the other magical elements of the film, especially HUNTR/X’s weapons and the strange familiars that Rumi and Ji-noo (Ahn Hyo-seop) use to communicate with each other across enemy lines.
    Sarah Shachat, IndieWire, 5 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Phenomenal.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/phenomenal. Accessed 9 Sep. 2025.

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