phenomenon

[fi-nom-uh-non, -nuhn] / fɪˈnɒm əˌnɒn, -nən /

NOUN

rare occurrence; wonder

Synonyms

STRONGEST

anomaly aspect circumstance episode event experience fact incident miracle paradox reality sensation

STRONG

abnormality actuality appearance curiosity exception happening marvel nonpareil peculiarity portent prodigy sight spectacle stunner uniqueness

WEAK

one for the books rara avis something else

Antonyms

STRONGEST

usualness

STRONG

normality

WEAK

regularity

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.

Getting this old is a relatively new phenomenon.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 13, 2026

"This phenomenon has never been reported before, making it a particularly interesting finding."

From Science Daily • Apr. 13, 2026

“We recall the cloud transformation cycle about five years ago when leading cybersecurity firms jockeyed for market share, and we are witnessing the same phenomenon in the current AI super cycle secular wave.”

From Barron's • Apr. 10, 2026

Experts have spent years studying this phenomenon, trying all sorts of nudges and tricks to get people more inclined to save for retirement.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 10, 2026

I tried to trace it back to the original poster but eventually gave up—Space Boy had become an international phenomenon.

From "We Are the Ants" by Shaun David Hutchinson

Vocabulary lists containing phenomenon

TEKS ELAR Academic Vocabulary List (5th-7th grades)

Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!

Eclipse Vocabulary

Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!

Vocabulary from the Introduction to "Reality is Broken" by Jane McGonigal

Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!