PHYSICAL Synonyms: 76 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

physical

adjective

ˈfi-zi-kəl

Definition of physical next

as in bodily

of or relating to the human body physical sensations such as heat and pain

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as in concrete

relating to or composed of matter couldn't tell the difference between a physical object and a shadow in the dim light

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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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

Examples of physical in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Worthy said during the physical altercation, Sneed robbed Sherrod's son of a handgun. —

Andrea May Sahouri, Detroit Free Press, 11 Sep. 2024 Watch on Deadline Albanese said that the legislation aims to prioritize the safety as well as mental and physical health of children. —

Sara Merican, Deadline, 10 Sep. 2024 Boasting outstanding vision, bounce, tackle-breaking ability, and straight-line speed, the Niners were able to feed him early and establish a physical tone for the game. —

Dieter Kurtenbach, The Mercury News, 10 Sep. 2024 It's marketed as an energy-boosting drink and combines various ingredients intended to enhance physical and mental performance.3 Benefits Red Bull contains more than just a boost from caffeine. —

Lauren O'Connor, Ms, Health, 10 Sep. 2024 See all Example Sentences for physical

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'physical.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

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“Physical.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/physical. Accessed 1 Oct. 2024.

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Last Updated: 14 Sep 2024 - Updated example sentences

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Synonyms of physical

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