physicality

noun

phys·​i·​cal·​i·​ty ˌfi-zə-ˈka-lə-tē How to pronounce physicality (audio)
plural physicalities
Synonyms of physicality
1
: intensely physical orientation : predominance of the physical usually at the expense of the mental, spiritual, or social
2
: a physical aspect or quality

Examples of physicality in a Sentence

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.
Now, the challenge is getting Bama back to being a national title contender with some additional physicality. — Bruce Feldman, New York Times, 3 Sep. 2026 On the plus side, Ritchson and Wilson display a winning chemistry, their contrasting physicality and acting styles working perfectly for their characters. — Frank Scheck, HollywoodReporter, 2 Sep. 2026 For McDonagh, what Malkovich brings to the role goes deeper than physicality. — Los Angeles Times, 31 Aug. 2026 Lyons uses her extraordinary physicality — slipping between a range of accents, mime, and endless amount of gestures to hold together a piece that could easily fall apart. — Rebecca Rosman, NPR, 31 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for physicality

Word History

First Known Use

1827, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Time Traveler
The first known use of physicality was in 1827

Rhymes for physicality

See All Rhymes for physicality

Browse Nearby Words

physicalistic
physicality
physicalize
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Physicality.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/physicality. Accessed 4 Sep. 2026.

Copy Citation

More from Merriam-Webster on physicality

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for physicality

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!

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

Listen to the pronunciation of apiary

See Definitions and Examples »

Popular in Grammar & Usage

See More

A Who’s Who Regarding ‘Who’s’ and ‘Whose’

A List of Most Commonly Confused Words

Why do we use apostrophes to show possession?

Is it 'nerve-racking' or 'nerve-wracking'?

What's the difference between 'fascism' and 'socialism'?
See More

Popular in Wordplay

See More

The Longest Long Words List

Stay Woke

Ye Olde Nincompoop: Old-Fashioned Words for 'Stupid'

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of

The Words of the Week - Sept. 4
See More

Popular

See More

A Who’s Who Regarding ‘Who’s’ and ‘Whose’

The Longest Long Words List

Stay Woke
See More

Games & Quizzes

See All
Play Quordle: Guess all four words in a limited number of tries. Each of your guesses must be a real 5-letter word.
Quordle Can you solve 4 words at once?
Play Blossom: Solve today's spelling word game by finding as many words as you can using just 7 letters. Longer words score more points.
Blossom Pick the best words!
Play Missing Letter: a crossword with a twist. Each of the 25 puzzle words start with a different letter of the alphabet. Which letter is missing?
The Missing Letter A daily crossword with a twist
anagrams on a chalk board
Word Builder Quiz Vol. 2 Pick the letter that when added to a word will ma...
See All