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 Non-fatiguing and transparent, the sound can be compared to Quad 57 electrostatics, but with deep base, corporeal weight, and presence. Robert Ross, Robb Report, 26 Mar. 2025 The varying coarseness creates another layer of texture within the paintings, where corporeal forms have been stacked and obscured by energetic markings. Kristen Tauer, WWD, 19 Mar. 2025 Subject to changing laws and environmental crises beyond our control, few of us have much authority over our corporeal selves. Zoë Lescaze, New York Times, 21 Feb. 2025 Into this space, curator Neville Wakefield welcomes sculptures filled with tension, sexuality, humor and corporeal spirit. Steven Vargas, Los Angeles Times, 18 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for corporeal
Recent Examples of Synonyms for corporeal
Adjective
  • It's been a season where physical strength and unwavering loyalty have held more weight than the deception and betrayal commonly found in previous seasons of the long-running reality competition show.
    Emily DeLetter, USA Today, 23 May 2025
  • Thanks to therapy and physical rehab, Foxx has come a long way since then.
    Staff Author, EW.com, 23 May 2025
Adjective
  • Bananas provide health benefits that affect many of your bodily systems, and your heart is no exception.
    Maggie O'Neill, Verywell Health, 19 May 2025
  • Medical queasiness and gory bodily intrusions have been a specialty of Ducournau (both of whose parents are doctors) since Raw, which turned a veterinary school into a feeding ground for two cannibal sisters.
    Jordan Mintzer, HollywoodReporter, 19 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Corporeal.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/corporeal. Accessed 3 Jun. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on corporeal

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