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 Finally, Victor Wembanyama draws a phenomenal matchup against the Chicago Bulls. Tyler Everett, MSNBC Newsweek, 30 Mar. 2026 But there’s no underestimating UConn or its phenomenal run under coach Dan Hurley. Scott Dochterman, New York Times, 30 Mar. 2026 Continue reading … SUDDEN LOSS — Vikings legend Joey Browner dead at 65 after phenomenal career with team. FOXNews.com, 30 Mar. 2026 The astronauts may have had a phenomenal view of Florida's Space Coast. Tariq Malik, Space.com, 30 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for phenomenal
Recent Examples of Synonyms for phenomenal
Adjective
  • Her credits this decade include a complex and crucial supporting part in Mare of Easttown, an Emmy-winning guest appearance on Hacks, a turn opposite Nicolas Cage in Dream Scenario, and a starring role in Annie Baker’s extraordinary indie film Janet Planet.
    Keith Phipps, Vulture, 30 Mar. 2026
  • Nyad is an extraordinary example, but researchers say a positive attitude is key.
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 30 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • One comic gimmick involves Appa’s superhuman grip that can subdue even the mightiest of men.
    Theater Critic, Los Angeles Times, 27 Mar. 2026
  • The suit stated that Figure AI’s next-generation robots moved at superhuman speed and generated force approximately twice the level necessary to fracture an adult human skull.
    Dylan Butts, CNBC, 26 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • The dim sum at Yan Ting, the Cantonese restaurant, is exceptional, each dumpling a small, perfect bite.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 1 Apr. 2026
  • However, the company says the bike offers exceptional range and ultra-fast charging.
    Jijo Malayil, Interesting Engineering, 1 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • Yet, Tory Burch has always had the uncanny ability to peer into the future and unlock our unconscious desires.
    Vogue, Vogue, 30 Mar. 2026
  • The Nuggets’ forwards have an uncanny habit of getting hurt all at once.
    Bennett Durando, Denver Post, 30 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • When a series of tragic failures at New Era Community Health Center left scores of the county’s weakest, poorest and most erratic residents in danger, Florida health inspectors took the unusual step of threatening to shut down the home.
    Carol Marbin Miller, Miami Herald, 2 Apr. 2026
  • Many of Barbosa’s followers know him for his unusual feats like holding the Guinness World Record for the fastest visits to every CTA station or sprinting through the United Center during a Bulls game.
    Audrey Pachuta, Chicago Tribune, 2 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • The cast’s sole survivor is Jessica Hecht, who pours miraculous warmth and complexity into her faintly insulting role as Colleen, the head teller, a morally upright spinster goosed by her flirtation with Sonny and the spotlight.
    Emily Nussbaum, New Yorker, 2 Apr. 2026
  • CFCs seemed miraculous, and post-war consumers fell in love with them.
    Big Think, Big Think, 31 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • The Breakfast Ride and Cowboy Cookout are two unique dining experiences the whole family will love, and adult guests will appreciate the new spa planned for late 2027.
    Julie Bielenberg, USA Today, 4 Apr. 2026
  • Smith ties that capacity back to his father’s meticulous personality and appreciation of finer unique things.
    David Caraccio April 4, Sacbee.com, 4 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • Life slows down here in the most magical of ways.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 3 Apr. 2026
  • The original series ran on Disney Channel from 2007 to 2012, following the Russo family as its three siblings navigated the challenges of adolescence while mastering their magical abilities.
    Ethan Shanfeld, Variety, 2 Apr. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Phenomenal.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/phenomenal. Accessed 5 Apr. 2026.

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