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 The current-gen Nissan Z is a phenomenal sports car that, for many reasons, most people are sleeping on. Jerry Perez, The Drive, 22 July 2026 Walking is a phenomenal low-impact exercise that nearly everyone can do. Jenessa Connor, Health, 21 July 2026 Toni Collette is phenomenal as Christie’s beloved detective, capturing both her sharp intellect and her understanding of human nature. Andreas Wiseman, Deadline, 15 July 2026 This Claudia is the opposite of Hayles’s quiet, cunning performance as Regina and conveys a phenomenal range. Roxana Hadadi, Vulture, 14 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for phenomenal
Recent Examples of Synonyms for phenomenal
Adjective
  • Six hundred pieces from this extraordinary private collection are featured in an oversized coffee table book, My Time - Blu blu l’amore è blu, published by Christie’s auction house.
    Irene S. Levine, Forbes.com, 7 Aug. 2026
  • Bringing home a massive 75-inch Sony Bravia display panel with Sony Pictures Core high-bitrate streaming credits and dedicated PS5 gaming auto-calibration for under $900 is an extraordinary value.
    Juhi Wadia, PC Magazine, 7 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • In truth, admission professionals are not seeking flawless, excessive resumes from superhuman applicants.
    Brennan Barnard, Forbes.com, 1 Aug. 2026
  • The series uses Duke’s boxing background solely as an explanation for his superhuman ability to murder people.
    Ben Travers, IndieWire, 30 July 2026
Adjective
  • The next useful signal is not another debate about whether SpaceX is exceptional.
    Jim Osman, Forbes.com, 9 Aug. 2026
  • Younger Americans are more likely to say their parents viewed them as exceptional.
    Catherina Gioino, Fortune, 9 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • In a new video, the 13-year-old royal drew an uncanny likeness to his grandmother—down to her mannerisms.
    Christina Perrier, InStyle, 5 Aug. 2026
  • Medasin also used basic prompts to generate his own Treblo creations that bore uncanny similarities to the single.
    Jazz Monroe, Pitchfork, 4 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • The conflict played out under the watchful eye of Johnson’s senior adviser, Jason Lee — an unusual involvement for a high-ranking mayoral staffer, given that the $8 million grant is administered by a separate department.
    Alice Yin, Chicago Tribune, 9 Aug. 2026
  • Guerrero’s struggles have been particularly noticeable, creating an unusual disconnect between his superstar status and his production.
    Peter Chawaga, Forbes.com, 9 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • Somehow those words in that order had never been used in a country song before, which seems miraculous.
    Stephen Deusner, SPIN, 3 Aug. 2026
  • Their lives were recorded in the form of hagiographies, stories of the saints, often ornamented with folkloric motifs, focusing on marvelous adventures and miraculous doings.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 30 July 2026
Adjective
  • The Duchess of Sussex and Cookie Queens director Alysa Nahmias sat down for a Q&A session after the film, and, in photos from the event, eagle-eyed fans noticed a unique-looking ring on Meghan’s middle finger.
    Meredith Kile, PEOPLE, 4 Aug. 2026
  • As past and present echo through the mountains, human encroachment and indifference threaten to erase their unique spirit, and his story becomes a reflection of an age-old, unequal struggle.
    Georg Szalai, HollywoodReporter, 4 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • That’s the first sign that in this universe, Bert really is a wizard with magical powers.
    Michael Schneider, Variety, 7 Aug. 2026
  • The final batch continues to focus on the generations of the Buendía family living amid political infighting in Macondo while building up to the magical-realist masterpiece’s tragic end.
    Savannah Salazar, Vulture, 7 Aug. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Phenomenal.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/phenomenal. Accessed 10 Aug. 2026.

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