corporeal

adjective

kȯr-ˈpȯr-ē-əl How to pronounce corporeal (audio)
Definition of corporealnext
as in physical
of or relating to the human body corporeal cravings such as hunger and thirst

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective corporeal contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of corporeal are material, objective, phenomenal, physical, and sensible. While all these words mean "of or belonging to actuality," 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 can material be used instead of corporeal?

The meanings of material and corporeal largely overlap; however, 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 is objective a more appropriate choice than corporeal?

While the synonyms objective and corporeal are close in meaning, objective may stress material or independent existence apart from a subject perceiving it.

no objective evidence of damage

In what contexts can phenomenal take the place of corporeal?

While in some cases nearly identical to corporeal, 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 is it sensible to use physical instead of corporeal?

The words physical and corporeal can be used in similar contexts, but physical applies to what is perceived directly by the senses and may contrast with mental, spiritual, or imaginary.

the physical benefits of exercise

When would sensible be a good substitute for corporeal?

The synonyms sensible and corporeal are sometimes interchangeable, 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 corporeal In laying out his corporeal stepping stones, Faulkner leads us to our own discovery of Caddy’s and Quentin’s feelings. — Literary Hub, 1 May 2026 The theme parks, cruises, resorts and other real-world, very corporeal parts of Experiences indubitably will be a much bigger source of Disney profits in this looming era than even the company’s storied film, animation and TV studios. — David Bloom, Forbes.com, 22 Apr. 2026 Lowery manifests that vision as a swirling tangle of red fabric that acquires an almost corporeal form, a mesmerizing jolt of color in the sumptuous darkness of DP Andrew Droz Palermo’s visuals (Rina Yang shot the concert scenes). — David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 14 Apr. 2026 However, Voldemort's full corporeal form does not emerge until the fourth book in the series, Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire — the adaptation of which marked Fiennes' first appearance in the film series. — Wesley Stenzel, Entertainment Weekly, 11 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for corporeal
Recent Examples of Synonyms for corporeal
  1. physical
  2. bodily
Adjective
  • Habits are usually paired with physical or emotional cues, and disrupting those cues can disrupt the habit.
    — Allison Parshall, Scientific American, 20 Oct. 2026
  • There was also a physical dispute between Parillo and Amy Helm after her removal, during which police were called to LHS in Woodstock.
    — Nina Corcoran, Pitchfork, 20 Oct. 2026
Definition of physical
Adjective
  • Brian Peralta Cabrera, 18, of Queens, was charged with conspiracy to distribute narcotics resulting in death and serious bodily injury.
    — Matt Lavietes, NBC news, 16 Oct. 2026
  • The parents admit to some corporal punishment, but of a mild sort—the kind that might startle a child but which wouldn’t do bodily harm.
    — Richard Brody, New Yorker, 15 Oct. 2026
Definition of bodily

Browse Nearby Words

corporations
corporeal
corporeality
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Cite this Entry

“Corporeal.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/corporeal. Accessed 21 Oct. 2026.

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