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

as in bodily

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 For the Chinese basketball reporter Jia, the NCAA also offers higher-level competition, more physical play, and a better training environment compared with the CBA. — Fred He, CNN Money, 2 Sep. 2026 Does the company convert physical activity into proprietary software and data advantages? — John Gabriel, Forbes.com, 2 Sep. 2026 Participants can first develop behaviors in simulation, working on areas such as motion generation, reward functions, and control policies before transferring them to a physical robot. — Jijo Malayil, Interesting Engineering, 2 Sep. 2026 Your Joints May Feel Stiffer Regular physical activity helps maintain optimal physical function of both muscles and joints. — Kristen Gasnick, Verywell Health, 2 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for physical

Recent Examples of Synonyms for physical

Adjective

Defense attorneys in both cases argued that the defendants’ intent was in question, raising in argument the possibility that their clients were not trying to cause serious bodily injury or death.

— Emerson Clarridge, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 28 Aug. 2026
Both Walter and Lefever have pleaded not guilty to three counts of chronic neglect of a child causing great bodily harm and two counts of chronic neglect of a child causing emotional damage, his online records show.

— Samira Asma-Sadeque, PEOPLE, 26 Aug. 2026

Definition of bodily

Adjective

The statement stopped short of committing members to any concrete military or economic support.

— Anniek Bao, CNBC, 2 Sep. 2026
Its non-towable structure means that it is transported to the site by truck and can then be installed on permanent concrete foundations or screw piles.

— New Atlas, New Atlas, 2 Sep. 2026

Definition of concrete

Adjective

The gradual accumulation of these substances in the body can disrupt normal physiological functions, ultimately leading to disease, impaired health, and, in severe cases, death.

— Encyclopedia Britannica, Encyclopedia Britannica, 3 Sep. 2026
This can happen due to natural physiological changes to hormones that happen during breastfeeding and menopause.

— Meghan Rabbitt, NPR, 31 Aug. 2026

Definition of physiological

Adjective

The Potential Downsides Not everyone can slot a substantial breakfast and half an hour of cardio into a hectic morning.

— Samantha Agate, Sacbee.com, 31 Aug. 2026
Dred Scott, decided in 1857, was the Court’s first use of horizontal review since Marbury and its first substantial use of the power ever.

— Daniel Immerwahr, New Yorker, 31 Aug. 2026

Definition of substantial

Adjective

The first is something Panthea Parker, a headache become corporeal, brings up at a jewelry event hosted by her friend Queenie.

— Brian Moylan, Vulture, 26 Aug. 2026
These remarks hinted at the corporeal quality of these sculptures, which have been collected by institutions such as the Museum of Modern Art and the Whitney Museum.

— Alex Greenberger, ARTnews.com, 28 May 2026

Definition of corporeal

Adjective

This involves understanding and speaking the client's language, translating complex technology into tangible business outcomes, and delivering compelling presentations.

— William Arruda, Forbes.com, 30 Aug. 2026
Play, by definition, doesn’t produce anything tangible or useful.

— Louisa Thomas, New Yorker, 30 Aug. 2026

Definition of tangible

Adjective

Vegetable Oils Vegetable and seed oils are some of the richest non-animal dietary sources of CoQ10.

— Verywell Health, Verywell Health, 16 July 2026
Computer models and other non-animal testing methods still aren’t the best available science, critics contend.

— Michael Hawthorne, Chicago Tribune, 21 June 2026

Definition of animal

Adjective

The org launched the Remedy in the Rhythm Impact Campaign featuring grassroots film screenings paired with somatic healing workshops.

— Chris Gardner, HollywoodReporter, 18 Aug. 2026
Facial therapies feature Tata Harper and Noble Panacea, while visiting practitioners lead Tibetan sound healing,Watsu therapy, and aerial yoga alongside somatic meditation and energy work.

— Kate Donnelly, Forbes.com, 7 July 2026

Definition of somatic

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“Physical.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/physical. Accessed 4 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of physical

adjective

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