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 Red Ginger, an uber-popular pan-Asian eatery, lures guests with classics like a phenomenal spicy duck and watermelon salad and IG-worthy lobster pad Thai. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 23 Sep. 2026 Boston also wasted a phenomenal effort from starter Brayan Bello, who matched a career high with 11 strikeouts. — ABC News, 19 Sep. 2026 And, obviously, with such a phenomenal group, the show also won for Outstanding Casting. — Keith Langston, Entertainment Weekly, 15 Sep. 2026 This strategy also helps employers get to know phenomenal candidates whose applications are going to accidentally be rejected by the ATS and AI systems. — Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 14 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for phenomenal
Recent Examples of Synonyms for phenomenal
Adjective
  • This keeps the performance informal and keeps the narrative — a staggering odyssey of injustices, abuses, travel adventures, extraordinary coincidences, losses, reunions, reflections and self-analysis — from becoming sensationalized.
    — Christopher Arnott, Hartford Courant, 2 Oct. 2026
  • Guadagnino speaks in calligraphy; adjectives almost certainly accompany a proper name — the extraordinary, the wonderful, the genius.
    — E. Alex Jung, Vulture, 2 Oct. 2026
Adjective
  • On the show — which followed the origins of Batman’s iconic butler, Alfred Pennyworth — Faith played Bet Sykes, a Raven Union captain who’s later reanimated as a superhuman entity after her death.
    — Joey Nolfi, Entertainment Weekly, 24 Sep. 2026
  • Pocket calculators are superhuman but narrow, whereas the first large language models, though barely articulate, were general.
    — George Musser, Scientific American, 17 Sep. 2026
Adjective
  • Her career demonstrates extraordinary range, an exceptional level of acting and at the same time, a very special connection with audiences.
    — Anna Marie de la Fuente, Variety, 2 Oct. 2026
  • Nonetheless, the association of Nike with exceptional athletes remains a litmus test for relevance, consumer sentiment, and brand equity — all metrics Hill should be working toward as part of his ongoing brand turnaround.
    — Joe Bobowicz, Vogue, 2 Oct. 2026
Adjective
  • Books that get called weird girl lit tend to deal in uncanny or dreamlike circumstances.
    — Abby McCarter, New York Times, 2 Oct. 2026
  • Phoebe Bridgers, in her first film role, pulls off an uncanny transformation as a decoy who bends lines of age and gender.
    — Joe Reid, Vulture, 25 Sep. 2026
Adjective
  • The team now points to interactions between manganese and ytterbium as a possible source of the unusual Hall response.
    — Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 3 Oct. 2026
  • The unusual diplomatic rebuke underscored the mistrust between the two countries.
    — Anniek Bao, CNBC, 2 Oct. 2026
Adjective
  • The Broncos pulled off three miraculous trick plays in the final seconds of regulation and overtime to stun legendary running back Adrian Peterson and the powerhouse Sooners.
    — Shaun Goodwin, Idaho Statesman, 3 Oct. 2026
  • Continue reading … BOLT FROM ABOVE — Couple recounts 'miraculous' rescue after surviving harrowing lightning strike during evening stroll.
    — , FOXNews.com, 24 Sep. 2026
Adjective
  • Beat shows how so many of the sounds that were prevalent in the mid-’90s contained a unique, end-of-the century sadness.
    — Sadie Sartini Garner, Pitchfork, 4 Oct. 2026
  • Instead, the self-regulating organization takes the day-to-day lead in devising standards, conducting oversight, enforcing rules, and punishing bad actors, drawing on its business members’ unique knowledge and real-world expertise.
    — William R. Gruver, Fortune, 4 Oct. 2026
Adjective
  • Oddly, a practical glitch led to one of the evening’s most magical moments.
    — Joe Lynch, Billboard, 2 Oct. 2026
  • The Being is alien, mystical and magical, a migrant finding her way in a new world.
    — Laura Zornosa, Los Angeles Times, 2 Oct. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Phenomenal.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/phenomenal. Accessed 6 Oct. 2026.

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