Definition of phenomenonnext
as in miracle
something extraordinary or surprising our jaws dropped when we saw this basketball phenomenon play for the first time

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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 phenomenon The phenomenon has continued to follow players of all sports and their partners. Meg Linehan, New York Times, 9 Sep. 2026 While the geological events would occur anyway, one problem is that the onset of the super El Nino phenomenon is setting off more risks of extreme weather worldwide. Justina Lee, CNBC, 8 Sep. 2026 Whether or not a similar mass stranding event occurs this time around depends on how conditions this year affect a phenomenon known as upwelling. Lila Seidman, Los Angeles Times, 8 Sep. 2026 Toho Studios is hoping for a repeat of that sleeper phenomenon with this sequel, which brings back most of the cast and crew of Godzilla Minus One. A.a. Dowd, Vulture, 8 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for phenomenon
Recent Examples of Synonyms for phenomenon
Noun
  • The birth-order advantage (Tim Ireland / Associated Press) To researchers, Serena’s rise is not an isolated miracle of genetics, but a classic expression of family dynamics.
    Douglas Robson, Los Angeles Times, 2 Sep. 2026
  • Hundreds of puppets had to be created, and fitting characters like the Smiling Friends that were clearly designed for 2D animation into 3D spaces required some fabrication miracles.
    Christian Zilko, IndieWire, 30 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • Grounded in tragedy and yet evoking a consistent sense of wonder, the lady of the house looks less like a mirror for her husband than a magnifying glass held over his genius and grotesquerie.
    Alison Foreman, IndieWire, 5 Sep. 2026
  • But most of all, wonder feels scarce because contemporary life has depleted the value of the moment.
    Ian Bogost, The Atlantic, 4 Sep. 2026
Noun
  • Here, age-old traditions fuse with contemporary flavors, archaeological marvels meet modernist museums, rugged peaks are juxtaposed against verdant plains, and stretches of sandy shorelines lead to charming inland villages.
    Condé Nast Traveler, Condé Nast Traveler, 3 Sep. 2026
  • In 1959, Disneyland debuted an attraction that was, at the time, a technical and fantastical marvel.
    Julie Tremaine, PEOPLE, 3 Sep. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Phenomenon.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/phenomenon. Accessed 10 Sep. 2026.

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