TRANSCENDENTAL Synonyms: 115 Similar and Opposite Words

transcendental

adjective

ˌtran(t)-ˌsen-ˈden-tᵊl

Definition of transcendental

as in supernatural

of, relating to, or being part of a reality beyond the observable physical universe the concept of the soul as a transcendental entity that exists entirely apart from the body

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in superhuman

being so extraordinary or abnormal as to suggest powers which violate the laws of nature in his speeches he manifests a transcendental ability to inspire people from all points on the political spectrum

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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 transcendental Some participants even characterize their experiences as transcendental, ecstatic, or spiritual. — Literary Hub, 17 June 2026 But in Soni’s careful translation, the repetitions and subtle variation of Verma’s poems also achieve a haunting, transcendental resonance. — The New Yorker, New Yorker, 1 June 2026 Torn recently opened for transcendental drone purveyors Sunn O))), and longtime Sunn collaborator Randall Dunn produced imagine. — Reed Jackson, SPIN, 1 June 2026 Yet she’s viewed, like everything else in the movie, with an adoration that is nearly transcendental. — Owen Gleiberman, Variety, 16 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for transcendental

Recent Examples of Synonyms for transcendental

Adjective

Consider a ghost tour of Merchant’s House, a residence turned museum where supernatural phenomena have been reported since the death of its last occupant, in 1933.

— Dan Stahl, New Yorker, 23 Oct. 2026
The film draws on 1980s supernatural comedies, including Back to the Future, Ghostbusters and The Addams Family, alongside classic monster movies and horror spoofs.

— Scott Roxborough, HollywoodReporter, 22 Oct. 2026

Definition of supernatural

Adjective

In polyphonic music such as Bach, Van Bloss offers a superhuman degree of precision and individuality.

— Mike Hamersly, Miami Herald, 12 Oct. 2026
The Dodgers entered the postseason with the best rotation of any team on paper, led by Yoshinobu Yamamoto, who proved to be practically superhuman in the World Series last year.

— Maddie Lee, Los Angeles Times, 10 Oct. 2026

Definition of superhuman

Adjective

In 2026, the gemlike Brooklyn venue lent Kushner’s project a magical quality, turning the audience into ghosts from the future, eavesdropping on the fall of the Weimar Republic but unable to intervene.

— Emily Nussbaum, New Yorker, 23 Oct. 2026
But the familiarity of the fantasy elements and the brusqueness with which they’re treated would be forgivable if Wildwood did a better job exploring how the real world connects to the magical side of the story.

— Alison Willmore, Vulture, 23 Oct. 2026

Definition of magical

Adjective

The latter perhaps most acutely reflected such dominant motifs in Gibson’s midcareer work as female figures, birds, and metaphysical reflectors.

— The Editors of ARTnews, ARTnews.com, 20 Oct. 2026
The best moments on records like Redemption, Blackheart, and Second Line use her knack for grand, metaphysical metaphors to charge her singing with epic stakes.

— Stephen Kearse, Pitchfork, 9 Oct. 2026

Definition of metaphysical

Adjective

For many people, however, the presentation instead bears an uncanny and unfortunate resemblance to imagery used in Nazi-era Germany.

— Chuck Schilken, Los Angeles Times, 23 Oct. 2026
The man does seem to have an uncanny ability to pick projects that will have a long shelf life — everything from Up in Smoke and Harold and Maude to Singles, Steel Magnolias, Poison Ivy, and Contact.

— Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 23 Oct. 2026

Definition of uncanny

Adjective

This entry is almost too broad, but no trip to Jackson is complete without a trip through this miraculous wonder—whether on foot, wheels, or water.

— Lindsay Cohn, Vogue, 23 Oct. 2026
Many participate in the miraculous art of flying and maintaining enormous airplanes, or picking up cargo to take across our greater multi-county region of millions.

— Daniel Hernandez, Los Angeles Times, 21 Oct. 2026

Definition of miraculous

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transcendent

transcendental

transcendentalist

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“Transcendental.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/transcendental. Accessed 27 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of transcendental

adjective

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