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 There are also games against improving Northwestern and UCLA squads, as well as a physical Iowa team. Antonio Morales, New York Times, 12 Oct. 2025 The federal agencies investigating the incident look at available physical evidence, such as the aircraft’s maintenance records and engine, the location and trajectory of the crash. Jake Goodrick, Sacbee.com, 11 Oct. 2025 This powerhouse of a cast makes sure the audience is kept laughing with their quick-witted banter and clever physical comedy. Rebecca Angel Baer, Southern Living, 11 Oct. 2025 Opened in September, Cleo is focused on bringing buzzy, digital-first fashion and accessory brands into a physical space. Ryma Chikhoune, Footwear News, 11 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for physical
Recent Examples of Synonyms for physical
Adjective
  • Sanchez is facing a level 5 felony battery resulting in serious bodily injury charge and three misdemeanor charges, battery resulting in injury, public intoxication, and unlawful entry of a motor vehicle.
    Noe Padilla, IndyStar, 12 Oct. 2025
  • The rhythms of the menstrual cycle often reflect balance in other bodily systems and functions.
    Megan Feringa, New York Times, 10 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Don't place pumpkins on soil, concrete, or anything wet.
    Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 11 Oct. 2025
  • After plenty of positive and ambitious talk over the course of the last month, fans wanted to see a concrete sign of their ambition.
    Chris Weatherspoon, New York Times, 11 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • The first woman to travel to the Moon, Christina Koch, will play a vital role from a physiological health perspective.
    Chris Young, Interesting Engineering, 13 Oct. 2025
  • Elite athletes, though, are often outliers, transcending physiological norms, meaning many can and do perform at lower body fat percentages and remain healthy.
    Megan Feringa, New York Times, 10 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Netflix, which has invested heavily in sports through NFL, boxing and docuseries agreements, will gain access to Simmons’ substantial audience in the athletics genre.
    Anthony Crupi, Sportico.com, 14 Oct. 2025
  • This was a substantial boost for a team that held odds of around +850 to +1100 before Sunday’s kickoff.
    Rowan Fisher-Shotton, MSNBC Newsweek, 14 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Al-Sudani, who rose to power after that upheaval, insisted his government had taken tangible steps to restore public trust, such as economic progress and political stability.
    Emma Graham, CNBC, 15 Oct. 2025
  • These national figures highlight the tangible effects that immigration policies can have on local communities.
    Billal Rahman, MSNBC Newsweek, 14 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Also at play is the culture of sport itself, an arena of ultimate corporeal sacrifice — and a multi-billion-dollar enterprise.
    Megan Feringa, New York Times, 10 Oct. 2025
  • Ashley Darby, after seven winters, six summers, and two presidential administrations, has finally gotten divorced from the corporeal gremlin known as Michael Darby.
    Shamira Ibrahim, Vulture, 6 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • In 2022, the FDA Modernization Act 2.0 paved the way for alternatives to animal testing, and in December 2023, an NIH advisory committee made similar recommendations to develop non-animal methods.
    Rachel Fobar, Vox, 14 May 2025
  • Rendering is a process that transforms animal by-products, like leftover meat and fats...and yes, chicken feet, into usable materials, such as animal feed, fuel, and other industrial products.
    Phil Kafarakis, Forbes.com, 1 May 2025
Adjective
  • Both are very valuable, but my mind often overrides intuition or the nature of what my body knows, its somatic intelligence.
    Emma Madden, Pitchfork, 4 Sep. 2025
  • Experiment with one small goal for this time to bolster mental and somatic wellbeing.
    Colin Bedell, Them., 26 Aug. 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Physical.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/physical. Accessed 17 Oct. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on physical

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!