Definition of physicalnext

Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective physical contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of physical are corporeal, material, objective, phenomenal, and sensible. While all these words mean "of or belonging to actuality," physical applies to what is perceived directly by the senses and may contrast with mental, spiritual, or imaginary.

the physical benefits of exercise

When is it sensible to use corporeal instead of physical?

Although the words corporeal and physical 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 is material a more appropriate choice than physical?

The words material and physical are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, 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 would objective be a good substitute for physical?

In some situations, the words objective and physical are roughly equivalent. However, objective may stress material or independent existence apart from a subject perceiving it.

no objective evidence of damage

Where would phenomenal be a reasonable alternative to physical?

The meanings of phenomenal and physical largely overlap; however, 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 could sensible be used to replace physical?

The words sensible and physical can be used in similar contexts, but 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 physical Training data for robots is slow, physical, and expensive, often requiring human teleoperation or imperfect simulations that struggle with real-world messiness. Robert J. Szczerba, Forbes.com, 19 June 2026 That team spirit will be tested against the Socceroos later today in what is expected to be a feisty, physical affair after what went down the last time these two teams played. Ben Church, CNN Money, 19 June 2026 That physical reminder of me being someone who’s from the outside. Jeff Spry, Space.com, 19 June 2026 Weiner says regular physical activity is a great way to improve sleep, but timing matters. Sharon Brandwein, USA Today, 19 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for physical
Recent Examples of Synonyms for physical
Adjective
  • Under California law, police agencies are generally required to release to the public audio and video recordings of police shootings and other critical incidents involving great bodily injury within 45 days of the incident.
    Richard Winton, Los Angeles Times, 16 June 2026
  • While everybody constantly loses fluids through breathing, sweating and other normal bodily processes, someone who is very active – such as a construction worker, landscaper or endurance athlete – can experience significantly more fluid loss than the average person.
    Daryl Austin, USA Today, 16 June 2026
Adjective
  • Lieurance’s car was found in the water perhaps as much as 100 feet away from the concrete boat ramp in Joe Bald Park.
    Eric Adler, Kansas City Star, 17 June 2026
  • Lawmakers on both sides of the aisle seemed frustrated with the lack of concrete details from the White House – especially because, as many noted, any potential nuclear accord would most likely come through Capitol Hill.
    Zachary Schermele, USA Today, 16 June 2026
Adjective
  • The highest stadium is Estadio Azteca in Mexico at 2,200m (7,218ft), which provides aerodynamic challenges in addition to physiological ones.
    Liam Tharme, New York Times, 20 June 2026
  • Throughout the trial, the scientists monitored a wide variety of physiological factors, including the animals' weight, glucose tolerance, insulin sensitivity, hormone levels, internal inflammation and the specific composition of their gut bacteria.
    Khloe Quill, FOXNews.com, 18 June 2026
Adjective
  • An indigent defense commission in Michigan, which was formed by the legislature in 2013, has led to significant reforms and a substantial influx in state funding.
    Anat Rubin, Los Angeles Times, 21 June 2026
  • For gardeners who have been slightly more lenient in their control efforts, this means that populations already present are now likely to become significantly more substantial, with a core breeding population already large to begin with.
    Anthony Reardon, Kansas City Star, 20 June 2026
Adjective
  • These remarks hinted at the corporeal quality of these sculptures, which have been collected by institutions such as the Museum of Modern Art and the Whitney Museum.
    Alex Greenberger, ARTnews.com, 28 May 2026
  • In laying out his corporeal stepping stones, Faulkner leads us to our own discovery of Caddy’s and Quentin’s feelings.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 1 May 2026
Adjective
  • And they were given little information about the tangible, systems-level improvements in people’s lives that Blue Zones Project has produced in communities where it’s been put into practice.
    Torie Bosch, STAT, 20 June 2026
  • Of the many cruel aspects of slavery, the shackles used to restrain and dehumanize more than12 million Africans across three centuries may be the most visceral tangible reminder.
    Terry Tang, Los Angeles Times, 19 June 2026
Adjective
  • The charity reports a 70% increase in multi-animal incidents across England and Wales since 2021, defining such cases as those involving 10 or more animals.
    Ashley Vega, PEOPLE, 9 Apr. 2026
  • Regulators are trying to push drug development into a post-animal testing era.
    Meghana Keshavan, STAT, 19 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • Albina advocates for shifting these habits by becoming present by utilizing somatic work.
    Lorinda Toledo, Los Angeles Times, 15 June 2026
  • There's somatic empathy, the automatic wince when someone slams their hand in a door.
    Dr. Marcus Collins, Forbes.com, 12 June 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Physical.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/physical. Accessed 22 Jun. 2026.

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