metaphysical

adjective

ˌme-tə-ˈfi-zi-kəl How to pronounce metaphysical (audio)
Definition of metaphysicalnext
1
as in theoretical
dealing with or expressing a quality or idea a work that deals with such metaphysical questions as the very nature of knowledge

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in supernatural
of, relating to, or being part of a reality beyond the observable physical universe belief in a metaphysical world beyond the one in which we live

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 metaphysical Lee’s lines have the intimacy and metaphysical heft of prayer; their elegant recursions and repetitions call to mind the cycles of life, death, and rebirth. — The New Yorker, New Yorker, 21 Sep. 2026 Dürrenmatt is more focused on moral than metaphysical questions. — Theater Critic, Los Angeles Times, 16 Sep. 2026 More recently, Reid was a series regular on Prime Video’s metaphysical Western drama Outer Range opposite Josh Brolin and Imogen Poots. — Nellie Andreeva, Deadline, 11 Sep. 2026 Is Ancestors, the directorial feature debut of The Lodgers and The Winter Lake writer David Turpin, a love story, a noir mystery or a metaphysical fable? — Georg Szalai, HollywoodReporter, 11 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for metaphysical
Recent Examples of Synonyms for metaphysical
  1. theoretical
  2. supernatural
  3. abstract
  4. paranormal
  5. conceptual
  6. transcendental
  7. mental
  8. mystical
Adjective
  • The dizzying evolution of AI picks up speed when Ilya gets Sam worked up about next-level AGI, or Artificial General Intelligence, theoretical technology with human-level cognitive capabilities.
    — David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 6 Oct. 2026
  • Each resolves or makes substantial progress on a major open question in mathematics or theoretical computer science, the company says.
    — Joseph Howlett, Scientific American, 6 Oct. 2026
Definition of theoretical
Adjective
  • Nyla Innuksuk’s supernatural thriller In the Heart of the South is the latest Canadian indie aiming to reclaim indigenous storytelling and representation in movie theaters.
    — Etan Vlessing, HollywoodReporter, 4 Oct. 2026
  • Over a span of nearly 20 years and thousands of different writers, the writing has not been contained to a single, cohesive canon, but everything is at least centered around this organization investigating supernatural anomalies from everyday items.
    — Brian Welk, IndieWire, 30 Sep. 2026
Definition of supernatural
Adjective
  • The power Whitney expressed was more abstract than Beyoncé’s heavy-handed, and still astonishing, Super Bowl halftime performance in 2016, in which the artist stormed the field with a battalion of women dressed as Black Panthers.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 8 Oct. 2026
  • In this photo illustration, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) logo is seen displayed on a smartphone in front of abstract background on computer screen.
    — Priyanka Salve, CNBC, 7 Oct. 2026
Definition of abstract
Adjective
  • Produced by James Wan and directed by Rob Savage, the campy horror film revolves around a paranormal entity who takes on the appearance of a young girl’s mother and begins haunting their home.
    — Rebecca Rubin, Variety, 7 Oct. 2026
  • This fiendishly fun romp puts the spotlight on Whihala the Witch and her ring of dancing circle sister witches, as well as fire-eaters, costume contests, games, food, paranormal investigations and scary displays.
    — Philip Potempa, Chicago Tribune, 1 Oct. 2026
Definition of paranormal
Adjective
  • During the reception, honoree and conceptual artist Thomas reflected on the journey to receiving such a distinction and the many people who have guided him.
    — Brianna J. Heath, Footwear News, 6 Oct. 2026
  • The conceptual vocabulary of tribal psychology appears increasingly necessary to make sense of this.
    — Michael Morris, Fortune, 2 Oct. 2026
Definition of conceptual
Adjective
  • 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
Definition of transcendental
Adjective
  • Rituals is already active in the youth mental health space as cofounder of Super Chill, a program that uses playful mind and body exercises to help children recognize their emotions and develop mental resilience.
    — Samantha Conti, Footwear News, 8 Oct. 2026
  • If Thompson was found to be incompetent due to a mental condition, he likely won’t ever be executed.
    — Grethel Aguila, Miami Herald, 8 Oct. 2026
Definition of mental
Adjective
  • The Being is alien, mystical and magical, a migrant finding her way in a new world.
    — Laura Zornosa, Los Angeles Times, 2 Oct. 2026
  • This island calls to people, young and old; seeking emotional clarity, self improvement, stress relief, detox, physical renewal, and soulful, mystical spiritual healing.
    — Kathryn Romeyn, Condé Nast Traveler, 30 Sep. 2026
Definition of mystical

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metaphysic
metaphysical
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Cite this Entry

“Metaphysical.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/metaphysical. Accessed 9 Oct. 2026.

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