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

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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 Majdi described his son’s birth in near-metaphysical terms, his own grief as shattering. — Darrell Smith, Sacbee.com, 20 Aug. 2026 That Dante lived during both the 13th and 14th centuries — and that Tosches’ movements as his novel’s protagonist take place at the start of the 21st century — means nothing in Schnabel’s meta-metaphysical realm. — A.d. Amorosi, SPIN, 6 Aug. 2026 The war on language is more metaphysical than just the policing of proper social justice terminology, Williams argues. — Literary Hub, 23 July 2026 This spiritual, metaphysical, and downright weird show is ostensibly about a nun’s quest to find and destroy the Holy Grail, which will result in the deactivation of the powerful, pervasive AI that gives the series its name. — Sara Netzley, Entertainment Weekly, 2 July 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
  • Alongside the latest projections, the agency released a database that categorized occupations based on their theoretical and observed exposure to AI.
    — Alicia Wallace, CNN Money, 3 Sep. 2026
  • One theoretical reason, Flanigan said, is that taking notes by hand creates a more meaningful and deeply processed record of information from a class lecture or meeting.
    — Rustin Dodd, New York Times, 3 Sep. 2026
Definition of theoretical
Adjective
  • As dark occurrences begin to shatter the quiet of their isolated home, the boy is forced to navigate a harrowing psychological nightmare where the line between real-world madness and supernatural terror blurs.
    — Melanie Goodfellow, Deadline, 1 Sep. 2026
  • The sequel ratchets up the stakes by saddling its cursed protagonist with not only a supernatural nightmare but the pressures of living under an intensely public spotlight.
    — Brianna Zigler, Entertainment Weekly, 1 Sep. 2026
Definition of supernatural
Adjective
  • Betsy Martinez, co-owner of Fan Girl Cafe and Temblador’s wife, had a more abstract idea as to what constitutes the American dream.
    — Carlos De Loera, Los Angeles Times, 4 Sep. 2026
  • That benchmark targets increasingly difficult forms of abstract reasoning.
    — Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 3 Sep. 2026
Definition of abstract
Adjective
  • An entity behind the disturbance grows increasingly fixated on the family’s daughter, prompting two paranormal investigators to dig into what becomes a traumatic case.
    — Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 28 Aug. 2026
  • Jessica Chastain stars in Other Mommy as a wife and mom trying to protect her daughter from a paranormal entity that looks just like her.
    — Gerrad Hall, Entertainment Weekly, 28 Aug. 2026
Definition of paranormal
Adjective
  • The consortium will also establish a development roadmap covering the steps required to move from the present conceptual phase toward possible construction and deployment.
    — Atharva Gosavi, Interesting Engineering, 29 Aug. 2026
  • For many of its leading figures, from the Impressionists in the 1870s to conceptual artists a century later, this also meant proposing new and better solutions to the problem of how to be and how to live together.
    — Sebastian Smee, The Atlantic, 28 Aug. 2026
Definition of conceptual
Adjective
  • 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
Definition of transcendental
Adjective
  • Gloria Steinem attributed her mother's nervous breakdown before she was born, and her treatment in mental institutions and the workforce thereafter, as key to her interest in social injustices.
    — Taijuan Moorman, USA Today, 4 Sep. 2026
  • But writing notes by hand requires a more engaged mental filter.
    — Rustin Dodd, New York Times, 3 Sep. 2026
Definition of mental
Adjective
  • The idea sounded at once mystical, therapeutic, and nightmarish.
    — Sebastian Smee, The Atlantic, 28 Aug. 2026
  • Musashi becomes unwillingly bound to the mystical Oni Gauntlet.
    — Brian Mazique, Forbes.com, 22 Aug. 2026
Definition of mystical

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metaphysical
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Cite this Entry

“Metaphysical.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/metaphysical. Accessed 5 Sep. 2026.

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