Definition of phenomenalnext
1
2

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 The size of the apples in your fritters, CP, are absolutely phenomenal. — Emily Elias, Bon Appetit Magazine, 19 Oct. 2026 Jordan Love has been phenomenal against the Cowboys in his career. — Outkick, FOXNews.com, 18 Oct. 2026 Now, it's grown into a marching band, youth choir and a drumline for college students, which Groover describes as the pathway to phenomenal Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). — Courtney Cole, CBS News, 16 Oct. 2026 His kicking is phenomenal but his throwing is absolutely extraordinary, very Schmeichelesque. — Thom Harris, New York Times, 14 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for phenomenal
Recent Examples of Synonyms for phenomenal
Adjective
  • Saint Laurent has extraordinary archives, codes and savoir-faire, Charbit said.
    — Tianwei Zhang, Footwear News, 30 Oct. 2026
  • Special-makeup-effects artist Rick Baker’s work is extraordinary.
    — Vulture Editors, Vulture, 30 Oct. 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
  • Preservation had traditionally focused only on exceptional buildings, and protected them by more or less freezing them in place.
    — Julian Rose, Artforum, 1 Nov. 2026
  • Proton offers exceptional cybersecurity (partially because it’s based in Switzerland, which has very strict data-protection laws).
    — Oscar Hartzog, Rolling Stone, 1 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 order of events in the Weeks recusal was somewhat unusual.
    — Emerson Clarridge, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 31 Oct. 2026
  • Scheels argued this year that the Ada County Assessor’s Office had overvalued its unusual building.
    — Idaho Statesman, Idaho Statesman, 30 Oct. 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
  • This mix between college town, nature oasis and state capital gives Madison a unique flare, pairing beloved nightlife spaces with a growing trail network.
    — Angelica Stabile, FOXNews.com, 1 Nov. 2026
  • The state must show compassion for the unique geography of our neighborhood.
    — Voice of the People, New York Daily News, 1 Nov. 2026
Adjective
  • Something about the snow taking over the grounds sounds magical.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 31 Oct. 2026
  • Serene predictions are a mug’s game, foolish in the extreme, whether they are based on polls or magical thinking.
    — David Remnick, New Yorker, 30 Oct. 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Phenomenal.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/phenomenal. Accessed 3 Nov. 2026.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster