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 This is a phenomenal period for healing, finding closure, releasing the past and embracing intuition and spirituality. Kyle Thomas, PEOPLE, 12 July 2026 The Spa Auberge is known for its phenomenal wellness programs, and Wildflower is no exception. Jess Feldman, Travel + Leisure, 10 July 2026 Taylor Sheridan’s ability to write these characters is phenomenal. Jackie Strause, HollywoodReporter, 7 July 2026 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 See All Example Sentences for phenomenal
Recent Examples of Synonyms for phenomenal
Adjective
  • The challenge before us is serious, but the promise of American higher education remains extraordinary.
    Daniel Diermeier, Forbes.com, 31 July 2026
  • Today’s leading model will eventually be replaced, and capabilities that seem extraordinary now will become familiar.
    Brent Saunders, Fortune, 31 July 2026
Adjective
  • The series uses Duke’s boxing background solely as an explanation for his superhuman ability to murder people.
    Ben Travers, IndieWire, 30 July 2026
  • Computer scientist Vernor Vinge later argued that superhuman intelligence would make the future difficult to model.
    Robert J. Szczerba, Forbes.com, 28 July 2026
Adjective
  • The exceptional duration is the result of a precise combination of celestial mechanics.
    Jamie Carter, Forbes.com, 2 Aug. 2026
  • There are normally no checks at borders between members of the EU’s internal Schengen Area, though they can be introduced for a limited time in exceptional circumstances.
    CNN Money, CNN Money, 31 July 2026
Adjective
  • Played with tricksy force and a glint of anger in her eyes by Samantha Morton, Circe is at the center of the greatest scene in The Odyssey, one that foregrounds the grandeur and uncanny qualities of myth.
    Angelica Jade Bastién, Vulture, 27 July 2026
  • Critics have praised this Dalloway riff for its entrancing, uncanny visuals.
    Brittany Allen, Literary Hub, 27 July 2026
Adjective
  • Ultimately, both sides are jockeying for power after the war, given the unusual uncertainty brought on by the change in the supreme leadership.
    ABC News, ABC News, 2 Aug. 2026
  • Some reported magnetic order, unusual Hall effects, and efficient spin-charge conversion, while others found no evidence of magnetism in bulk crystals or relaxed thin films.
    Rupendra Brahambhatt, Interesting Engineering, 2 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • The following season, Newcastle came third in the Premier League and Andy Cole scored 41 goals, a miraculous rise by the standards of most clubs and vertiginous for Newcastle.
    George Caulkin, New York Times, 21 July 2026
  • They’re tossed in a blend of malt-vinegar powder, sugar, salt, black pepper, and MSG, a miraculous combination that activates every sensory receptor simultaneously, and nearly blows out your palate for anything else.
    Helen Rosner, New Yorker, 19 July 2026
Adjective
  • Many of them feature amenities like a basketball court, weight rooms and a pool, while others may have unique features like boxing gyms or an ice rink.
    Rashad Alexander, Kansas City Star, 22 July 2026
  • Because there’s a certain level of difficulty involved in taking a song fans know well, and expect to hear a particular way, and successfully putting a unique spin upon it.
    Jim Ryan, Forbes.com, 22 July 2026
Adjective
  • His exploration into this magical world leads him to an eccentric old man called the Chicken Man (Johnson), and his elderly chicken companion Claudia.
    Ethan Shanfeld, Variety, 31 July 2026
  • The answer awaits at a tiny, magical shop on the Upper East Side.
    New York Times, New York Times, 31 July 2026

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Cite this Entry

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

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