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 Grip is phenomenal, as are the electric motors These differences are subtle but important distinctions that bolster the 849 as a more refined follow-up to the SF90. Basem Wasef, Robb Report, 26 Aug. 2026 Addison is quietly piecing together a phenomenal training camp, displaying an impressive rapport with Murray after the two spent significant time together this offseason in Dallas. Alec Lewis, New York Times, 25 Aug. 2026 The second year will be even more phenomenal as that offense takes a significant step forward with quarterback Caleb Williams at the helm. Miami Herald, 25 Aug. 2026 And what technology has done for me in my lifetime is just phenomenal. Tal Rosenberg, Chicago Tribune, 19 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for phenomenal
Recent Examples of Synonyms for phenomenal
Adjective
  • However, the extraordinary part is putting it all together, delivering 100 MW net, fitting the system aboard a movable ship, and doing it for $587 million.
    New Atlas, New Atlas, 4 Sep. 2026
  • In this state, the fluid gains extraordinary heat capacity and flow properties, carrying more thermal energy to the surface with minimal flow resistance.
    Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 4 Sep. 2026
Adjective
  • Asics Novablast 6 Sneaker Energetic and highly cushioned, with neutral support, Asics’ Novablast 6 is the perfect introductory road-running shoe for folks not interested in chasing speed or superhuman distance.
    Stacia Datskovska, Footwear News, 1 Sep. 2026
  • Breen also emphasized that Heath, the film’s protagonist, is different from his other heroes, who tend to have superhuman abilities.
    Becca Rothfeld, New Yorker, 29 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • Engineered around Qualcomm’s flagship 12-core Snapdragon X Elite processor, this Surface laptop delivers exceptional processing speed with whisper-quiet thermal efficiency.
    Juhi Wadia, PC Magazine, 6 Sep. 2026
  • That golden brown exterior tasted exceptional, but eating it came with some hurdles.
    Evan Moore, Charlotte Observer, 3 Sep. 2026
Adjective
  • Following his 2019 essay for the New Yorker, Murakami recounts a compelling history of fatherhood, family and obligation, transforming an uncanny childhood memory into a deeply personal history.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 31 Aug. 2026
  • My friend Austin, who has impeccable taste in bad movies and other internet esoterica, reflected on Breen’s uncanny charisma during a recent phone call.
    Becca Rothfeld, New Yorker, 29 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • If a machine encounters something unusual or gets stuck, someone monitoring the fleet can briefly intervene until the autonomous system is ready to take back over.
    Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 6 Sep. 2026
  • The changes occurred amid an unusual rollout of the blog post.
    Emily Forlini, Fortune, 5 Sep. 2026
Adjective
  • That’s how Wagner found Daniel Paul, an architectural historian who researched and documented the 38-foot-tall cupola-style structure built in 1960 by Van Tassel, who ascribed it miraculous powers including antigravity, rejuvenation and time travel.
    Anthony Solorzano, Los Angeles Times, 1 Sep. 2026
  • Words like miraculous, inspirational, incredible, amazing and magical were just some of the adjectives heard at Friday’s event.
    Chris Hays, The Orlando Sentinel, 28 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • The growing normalization and adoption of open-weight AI models, as enterprises and consumers alike seek to customize models to their unique use cases.
    Zev Fima, CNBC, 2 Sep. 2026
  • Nike’s athletes’ kits this season were inspired by basketball, presenting a unique sartorial challenge blending the two distinct on-court sports.
    Alexandra Hildreth, Vogue, 1 Sep. 2026
Adjective
  • Having spent time with fans in theaters, there really is something magical about bringing that community together.
    Jennifer Maas, Variety, 3 Sep. 2026
  • In January, just days after the Bears’ magical 2025 dream run ended with a playoff loss, Poles was thrilled when Johnson slammed the back cover on that season and ordered everyone to start working for 2026.
    Dan Wiederer, New York Times, 3 Sep. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Phenomenal.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/phenomenal. Accessed 8 Sep. 2026.

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