phenomenal

adjective

phe·​nom·​e·​nal fi-ˈnä-mə-nᵊl How to pronounce phenomenal (audio)
: relating to or being a phenomenon: such as
a
: known through the senses rather than through thought or intuition
b
: concerned with phenomena rather than with hypotheses
phenomenally adverb
Choose the Right Synonym for phenomenal

material, physical, corporeal, phenomenal, sensible, objective mean of or belonging to actuality.

material implies formation out of tangible matter; used in contrast with spiritual or ideal it may connote the mundane, crass, or grasping.

material values

physical applies to what is perceived directly by the senses and may contrast with mental, spiritual, or imaginary.

the physical benefits of exercise

corporeal implies having the tangible qualities of a body such as shape, size, or resistance to force.

artists have portrayed angels as corporeal beings

phenomenal applies to what is known or perceived through the senses rather than by intuition or rational deduction.

scientists concerned with the phenomenal world

sensible stresses the capability of readily or forcibly impressing the senses.

the earth's rotation is not sensible to us

objective may stress material or independent existence apart from a subject perceiving it.

no objective evidence of damage

Examples of phenomenal in a Sentence

The catch soared year after year, reaching a peak of 1.6 billion pounds in 1956. But not even the fish's phenomenal fecundity could sustain them under this industrial onslaught. Bruce Franklin, Mother Jones, March & April 2006
The region's two main communities are Camden, with its very old money and … five-star restaurants and phenomenal B&Bs, and Rockland, a serious old fishing town that hosts the Festival every summer in historic Harbor Park, right along the water. David Foster Wallace, Gourmet, August 2004
Physical prowess aside, the concentration required on the beam is phenomenal. Jack McCallum, Sports Illustrated, 18 Oct. 2000
Given his phenomenal poll numbers in a race he has not yet officially entered … Julia Reed, Vogue, February 1999
the phenomenal growth that the suburb has experienced over the last decade the phenomenal ability to remember the names of thousands of people
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
Despite her long, phenomenal run of success and prestigious accolades, Detroit gospel star Twinkie Clark has never been big on self-congratulations. Brian McCollum, Detroit Free Press, 14 Nov. 2024 Laura Donnelly is phenomenal as the older Helen, who is moved by a hardened, ancient wrath. Rafaela Bassili, Vulture, 14 Nov. 2024 Offensive Player Of The Year: RB Derrick Henry, Baltimore Ravens While Jackson has been phenomenal under center this season, he’s been aided by a career resurgence from former Tennessee Titans running back Derrick Henry. Kambui Bomani, Forbes, 6 Nov. 2024 Brown is also phenomenal against man coverage, which the Jaguars run at the second-highest rate in the league. David Faris, Newsweek, 3 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for phenomenal 

Word History

Etymology

see phenomenon

First Known Use

1825, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of phenomenal was in 1825

Dictionary Entries Near phenomenal

Cite this Entry

“Phenomenal.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/phenomenal. Accessed 29 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

phenomenal

adjective
phe·​nom·​e·​nal fi-ˈnäm-ən-ᵊl How to pronounce phenomenal (audio)
1
: of, relating to, or being a phenomenon
2
: very remarkable : extraordinary
a phenomenal memory
phenomenally adverb

More from Merriam-Webster on phenomenal

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!