messianic

adjective

mes·​si·​an·​ic ˌme-sē-ˈa-nik 

1

: of or relating to a messiah

this messianic kingdom

2

: marked by idealism and an aggressive crusading spirit

messianic zeal

on a messianic mission

Examples of messianic in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Get ready for a 17-year time jump, as Timothée Chalamet's older, more jaded Paul Atreides continues to wrestle with holy war, his messianic status, and the fallout from opting to marry Princess Irulan (Florence Pugh) rather than his Fremen girlfriend Chani (Zendaya). —Richard Edwards, Space.com, 17 Mar. 2026

Dreamers has flat spots here and there, but its messianic clarity never has trouble filling the room. —Brian Howe, Pitchfork, 6 Mar. 2026

That title goes to the government of messianic zealots, Arab-hating nationalists and anti-modern ultra-Orthodox Israelis put together by Netanyahu to keep himself in power. —Thomas L. Friedman, Mercury News, 21 Feb. 2026

Across the company, the belief in AI’s potential is messianic. —Matteo Wong, The Atlantic, 28 Jan. 2026

Word History

Etymology

probably from French messianique, from messianisme

First Known Use

circa 1794, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for messianic

• aldermanic
• inorganic
• magellanic
• oceanic
• pozzolanic
• talismanic
• transuranic
• bannock
• laennec
• manic
• panic
• stannic