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 Melissa was a phenomenal partner to Steven. Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 10 June 2026 Hockey has been phenomenal this postseason. David Troy Outkick, FOXNews.com, 9 June 2026 The Texas high school softball season included a ton of phenomenal performances. Charles Baggarly, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 9 June 2026 La Locanda is the main hub for buffet and à la carte breakfast service (the buffet pastries are phenomenal here) and becomes a den for southern Italian dishes for later mealtimes. Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 1 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for phenomenal
Recent Examples of Synonyms for phenomenal
Adjective
  • Heat radiates from the pages of this extraordinary novel about a poor family in rural Mississippi in the days leading up to Hurricane Katrina.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 9 June 2026
  • Today’s presidential centers require extraordinary amounts of private capital to support broader ambitions.
    Andre Dowell, Chicago Tribune, 8 June 2026
Adjective
  • Aurora is leading the charge with 200 superhuman truck drivers this year.
    Michael Bloom, CNBC, 29 May 2026
  • The inaugural Enhanced Games promised superhuman performance.
    James Billot, Washington Post, 28 May 2026
Adjective
  • At scholarship level especially, his record was exceptional — in the 2023-24 campaign, Wilson averaged a goal every 64 minutes, netting 16 in 13 games.
    Jacob Tanswell, New York Times, 10 June 2026
  • Passages like these have the curious effect of retrofitting Sinking’s less exceptional moments with their elegant modernity.
    Ben Cardew, Pitchfork, 10 June 2026
Adjective
  • But their inner lives don’t hold shape the way her little girls (and boys) do, with their uncanny dialogue and idiosyncratic observations.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 8 June 2026
  • Eastern Forest Tick Examined under a microscope, this minuscule parasite bears an uncanny resemblance to your childhood bully, right down to its mullet and Van Halen T-shirt.
    Jay Ruttenberg, New Yorker, 8 June 2026
Adjective
  • The lobby is filled with well-to-do patrons, and seeing children in tow is not unusual.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 12 June 2026
  • In the case of the female individual, the authors noted an unusual break at the base of the cranium that likely occurred near the time of death.
    Jennifer Ouellette, ArsTechnica, 11 June 2026
Adjective
  • One win away from defeating the San Antonio Spurs to win the 2026 NBA Finals after a miraculous comeback on Wednesday.
    Kristian Winfield, New York Daily News, 11 June 2026
  • Emmet Truesdale enrolls in a clinical trial for a new weight loss product and, while the results are miraculous, the side effects are nothing short of horrifying.
    Desiree Anello, PEOPLE, 10 June 2026
Adjective
  • His quick wit, punchy puns and unique voice came through even on the page, and NBC took notice.
    Emily St. Martin, Los Angeles Times, 13 June 2026
  • Through advanced genetic sequencing, chemotherapy and the expertise of a large medical team, doctors were able to identify a treatment approach tailored to Hadley's unique tumor.
    Dillon Thomas, CBS News, 13 June 2026
Adjective
  • One can’t blame Bear (Michael Johnston) for not knowing the object had genuine magical properties.
    Josh Weiss, Forbes.com, 11 June 2026
  • Only a lucky few get to experience one of the most magical natural light shows.
    USA TODAY Network, USA Today, 10 June 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Phenomenal.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/phenomenal. Accessed 15 Jun. 2026.

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