transcendental

adjective

tran·​scen·​den·​tal ˌtran(t)-ˌsen-ˈden-tᵊl 

-sən-

1

a

: transcendent sense 1b

b

: supernatural

c

: abstruse, abstract

d

: of or relating to transcendentalism

2

a

: incapable of being the root of an algebraic equation with rational coefficients

π is a transcendental number

b

: being, involving, or representing a function (such as sin x, log x, e^x) that cannot be expressed by a finite number of algebraic operations

transcendental curves

3

in Kantian philosophy

a

: of or relating to experience as determined by the mind's makeup

b

: transcending experience but not human knowledge

4

: transcendent sense 1a

transcendentally

ˌtran(t)-ˌsen-ˈden-tᵊl-ē 

-sən-

adverb

Synonyms of transcendental

• supernatural
• paranormal
• metaphysical
• mystical
• transcendent

Examples of transcendental in a Sentence

the concept of the soul as a transcendental entity that exists entirely apart from the body

in his speeches he manifests a transcendental ability to inspire people from all points on the political spectrum

Recent Examples on the Web

Call it transcendental, the character’s deepening sense of luminosity, the way his empathy heightens as his consciousness expands. — David L. Ulin, Los Angeles Times, 30 Sep. 2026

Users seeking transcendental sources of insight do not know or care how the oracle came up with its responses. — Ambuj Tewari, The Conversation, 29 Sep. 2026

As many an influencer has learned, that identity bestows the transcendental rewards of unconditional love—and plenty of new branding opportunities. — Annie Joy Williams, The Atlantic, 28 July 2026

Stablecoins have become one of crypto’s most transcendental inventions. — Camila Grigera Naón, Fortune, 15 July 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1624, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Rhymes for transcendental

• accidental
• compartmental
• continental
• detrimental
• elemental
• fundamental
• governmental
• incidental
• incremental
• instrumental
• interdental
• monumental

Kids Definition

transcendental

adjective

tran·​scen·​den·​tal ˌtran(t)s-ˌen-ˈdent-ᵊl 

-ən-

: transcendent sense 2

transcendentally

-ᵊl-ē 

adverb