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 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 Germany had the ball 76% of the time and outshot Paraguay 21-7, but Paraguayan keeper Orlando Gill was phenomenal, especially in the shootout. — Los Angeles Times, 3 July 2026 The story of humans fighting a robot race bent on the former’s destruction ends up being a microscope on the national mood of the 2000s, and that’s a phenomenal achievement. — Kelly Lawler, USA Today, 29 June 2026 The second-year safety had a phenomenal offseason program not only from a play standpoint but from that of a leader. — Miami Herald, 28 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for phenomenal

Recent Examples of Synonyms for phenomenal

Adjective

Given the extraordinary breadth of work recognized each year and the limited time available within a three-hour broadcast, a select number of categories will be moving to the Emmy ceremonies taking place the week prior to the telecast.

— Peter White, Deadline, 17 July 2026
The star is, of course, the fynbos, that extraordinary shrubland ecosystem that transforms the landscape with seasonal color, intricate textures and astonishing biodiversity.

— Sarah Kingdom, Forbes.com, 17 July 2026

Definition of extraordinary

Adjective

After a disastrous incident turns the public against superheroes, the government creates a superhuman registration act that causes a deep rift among Avengers and other do-gooders along ideological lines.

— Brian Truitt, USA Today, 8 July 2026
Failing to score in five games at the 2010 World Cup is the only time Messi's superhuman standards dropped on this stage.

— Jay Harris, New York Times, 17 June 2026

Definition of superhuman

Adjective

Blue Monkey is also disrupting the local food scene with the arrival of Amara, Barbados's first Lebanese restaurant—offering exceptional flavor, in arguably the most visually stunning dining room around.

— Jonnie Bayfield, Condé Nast Traveler, 19 July 2026
As closing statements go, this was an exceptional one for Tre Donaldson, the Miami Hurricanes rookie who scored 13 of his 20 in the fourth to go along with eight rebounds and 10 assists.

— Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 18 July 2026

Definition of exceptional

Adjective

Not a biological twin (although some people do have one or more of those) but a person who bears an uncanny resemblance to an unrelated stranger.

— René Ostberg, Encyclopedia Britannica, 15 July 2026
With this premise, Brandl brews a heady, destabilizing concoction of uncanny horror and bone-dry humor to depict a man on the brink, whose demons—whether real or imagined—just might be catching up with him.

— Ryan Lattanzio, IndieWire, 15 July 2026

Definition of uncanny

Adjective

But a small part is how the Rays have managed his unusual situation, handling him with some care.

— Marc Topkin, The Orlando Sentinel, 19 July 2026
Categories for entrants in the pet parade included cutest pet, an owner and pet dress-alike, the biggest and smallest pet, most unusual pet and best trick.

— David Sharos, Chicago Tribune, 19 July 2026

Definition of unusual

Adjective

These unique metro Atlanta cafes argue that a great coffee shop can be about more than just a great brew.

— Christopher Hassiotis, AJC.com, 14 July 2026
Each has a unique profile that loosely coordinates with some of LAFCO's most popular home scents -- but fear not, you won't be left smelling like a candle.

— Kelsey Legg, ABC News, 14 July 2026

Definition of unique

Adjective

There are no Zeus or Poseidon or Ino or Heracles sightings, and the herald Hermes, who has a pretty big role in Homer’s tale — freeing Odysseus from Calypso and giving him a magical herb to shield him from Circe’s spells — is nowhere to be found.

— Marlow Stern, Variety, 17 July 2026
Geneva Lewis plays the work’s magical violin part, conducted by Nicolas Ellis; the event also includes music by Wagner, Vaughan Williams and others.

— Randy McMullen, Mercury News, 16 July 2026

Definition of magical

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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 20 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of phenomenal

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