phenom

[fee-nom, fi-nom] / ˈfi nɒm, fɪˈnɒm /

ADJECTIVE

proficient

Synonyms

STRONGEST

accomplished adept apt capable competent conversant efficient experienced gifted qualified skillful talented trained versed

WEAK

clever consummate crack crackerjack drilled effective effectual exercised expert finished on the beam pro savvy sharp slick up to speed whiz with it

Antonyms

STRONGEST

green ignorant immature impotent incapable incompetent inefficient inept inexperienced unable unskilled unskillful untalented

WEAK

clumsy

NOUN

child prodigy

Synonyms

WEAK

boy wonder genius gifted child gifted student girl wonder polymath prodigy sensation talented child whiz kid wonder wonder child wunderkind

NOUN

nine days' wonder

Synonyms

WEAK

annus mirabilis fifteen minutes of fame flash in the pan nine-day wonder phenomenon sensation stunner wonderment

NOUN

professional

Synonyms

STRONGEST

artist expert pro specialist

STRONG

adept artiste authority brain egghead hotshot powerhouse pundit shark star superstar virtuoso whiz wizard

WEAK

old hand old pro old war-horse proficient whiz kid

Antonyms

STRONG

amateur rookie

WEAK

apprentice greenhorn

NOUN

whiz kid

Synonyms

WEAK

boy wonder child prodigy comer genius gifted child girl wonder polymath prodigy quiz kid sensation talented child wonder wunderkind

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.

It’s the 7-foot-4 phenom who is already taking over the league.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 2, 2026

NBA phenom Victor Wembanyama is quite literally the biggest French star at the Paris Olympics, inspiring a “Wembamania” among the passionate Les Bleus fans.

From Los Angeles Times • May 27, 2026

As USC women’s coach Lindsay Gottlieb watched the action intently from the bleachers, sophomore Tatianna Griffin had 18 points, freshman phenom Chloe Jenkins had 16 points and Dani Robinson added 13 for Ontario Christian.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 8, 2026

Their rookie teen phenom Cooper Flagg did not play, suffering a foot injury.

From Barron's • Feb. 21, 2026

These teams pulled in big rowdy crowds as well as college scouts, but my parents were adamant that Craig not sacrifice his intellectual development for the short-lived glory of being a high school phenom.

From "Becoming" by Michelle Obama

phenom

Example Sentences

Related Words