phenomenal
Americanadjective
-
highly extraordinary or prodigious; exceptional.
phenomenal speed.
- Synonyms:
- unprecedented, surpassing, outstanding, uncommon
-
of or relating to phenomena.
-
of the nature of a phenomenon; cognizable by the senses.
adjective
-
of or relating to a phenomenon
-
extraordinary; outstanding; remarkable
a phenomenal achievement
-
philosophy known or perceived by the senses rather than the mind
Other Word Forms
- nonphenomenal adjective
- nonphenomenally adverb
- phenomenality noun
- phenomenally adverb
- semiphenomenal adjective
- semiphenomenally adverb
- unphenomenal adjective
- unphenomenally adverb
Etymology
Origin of phenomenal
First recorded in 1815–25; phenomen(on) + -al 1
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
The protagonist is named Tree Tremont, a phenomenal multiracial golfer with an overbearing black father, an attractive wife, two young children and a squeaky-clean public image.
From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 31, 2026
“God blessed Joey with phenomenal talent and a big heart to love people and be a beacon of positivity. Truly, he will be missed.”
From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 30, 2026
The phenomenal heat when winter is only just ending alarmed climate watchers, who saw evidence of dire change.
From Barron's • Mar. 20, 2026
Jockey Harry Cobden labelled Kitzbuhel a "phenomenal little horse".
From BBC • Mar. 11, 2026
Garrett broke the standoff with a phenomenal fake fart that sent Lonna reeling backward in horror.
From "Hoot" by Carl Hiaasen
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
