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 Enzoni The Enzoni is a phenomenal little drink, a true banger when the sun comes out. Jeremy Repanich, Robb Report, 15 Aug. 2026 The Rivals Of Amziah King, the second feature from Andrew Patterson (The Vast of Night), is a crime thriller with a phenomenal soundtrack set in the backwoods of rural Oklahoma. Jill Goldsmith, Deadline, 14 Aug. 2026 The rookie has developed phenomenal chemistry with Willis despite not even being one of the pass-catchers that met with Miami’s new signal-caller at his throwing sessions in Jacksonville before training camp. David Furones, Sun Sentinel, 12 Aug. 2026 Karoline has been a real leader in the White House, and has done a phenomenal job fighting for Justice, Liberty, and Freedom, since 2018, including our Historic Re-Election Campaign of 2024. Paloma Chavez, PEOPLE, 12 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for phenomenal
Recent Examples of Synonyms for phenomenal
Adjective
  • One of the most extraordinary musical experiences of my life was recording with her.
    Donna Vickroy, Chicago Tribune, 28 Aug. 2026
  • Harald’s death was officially announced at an extraordinary Council of State meeting at Norway’s Royal Palace on Friday, as the full title of the new King was formally presented.
    Billy Stockwell, CNN Money, 28 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • For some interpreters, the gods’ superhuman forms are a sign for Hindus to acknowledge the power of these supernatural beings.
    Charles Preston, Encyclopedia Britannica, 28 Aug. 2026
  • The other problem is that hackers are exploiting AI to uncover new software vulnerabilities and infiltrate networks at a superhuman rate.
    Michael Kan, PC Magazine, 26 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • Sharif said Noreen displayed exceptional courage and devotion to duty by risking her life to save the newborn moments before the nursery burned down.
    ABC News, ABC News, 30 Aug. 2026
  • Founders who recently had one exceptional year sometimes assume that year represents their new baseline, when a buyer will more likely average the last three years, or discount the outlier entirely.
    Lien De Pau, Forbes.com, 29 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • These particles efficiently scatter the blue and green light while letting red and orange wavelengths pass through, creating the uncanny feeling of an all-day sunset.
    Michael A. Robinson, The Conversation, 25 Aug. 2026
  • The skyline floated like an uncanny but beautiful projection off to our side.
    Vinson Cunningham, New Yorker, 23 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • While his batting order remains unchanged, the team has made an unusual move, relocating Guerrero's locker to a new spot.
    Peter Chawaga, Forbes.com, 30 Aug. 2026
  • Land exchanges are common elsewhere in the federal government, but exchanging National Park Service land for private development access is unusual, NOTUS reported, citing a former park service official.
    Annie Palmer, CNBC, 29 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • Over the next two decades, Evergrande built many of the homes, office blocks and urban structures that powered China’s miraculous economic growth.
    Sylvie Zhuang, CNN Money, 20 Aug. 2026
  • Morgan suffered a traumatic brain injury during the crash and was in the hospital for months, but has made a miraculous recovery.
    Diana Pearl, PEOPLE, 15 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • Under the rule, states must supply the USPS with lists of mail ballot recipients, and all outbound and return ballot envelopes must bear unique barcodes.
    Andrew Chung, USA Today, 25 Aug. 2026
  • The extreme environment has long given researchers a unique perspective on what makes plants grow, insight that would be hard to obtain elsewhere.
    ABC News, ABC News, 25 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • Words like miraculous, inspirational, incredible, amazing and magical were just some of the adjectives heard at Friday’s event.
    Chris Hays, The Orlando Sentinel, 28 Aug. 2026
  • Caleb the Conjurer created several magical wins for the Bears, but that late game fortune also rarely carries over into the next season.
    David J. Neal, Miami Herald, 27 Aug. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Phenomenal.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/phenomenal. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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