mystic

1 of 2

adjective

mys·​tic ˈmi-stik 

1

: mystical sense 1a

a mystic journey

2

: of or relating to mysteries or esoteric rites : occult

3

: of or relating to mysticism or mystics

4

a

: mysterious

b

: obscure, enigmatic

spoke mystic words

c

: inducing a feeling of awe or wonder

d

: having magical properties

mystic numbers

mystic

2 of 2

noun

1

: a follower of a mystical way of life

2

: an advocate of a theory of mysticism

Synonyms of mystic

Adjective

• magic
• magical

Examples of mystic in a Sentence

Adjective

She had a mystic vision while praying.

the notion that a cat has nine lives is based upon the belief that nine is a mystic number

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

Unlike in Cutud, participants are mostly female faith healers adhering not to vows but to mystic trances and possession. — H.m.a. Leow, JSTOR Daily, 10 July 2026

Whether Spatial surrounds its reggae-toasting host with piles of drums, disorienting electronic beats, or locomotive rock music, Scratch abides as crooner, barker, mystic, meditation coach — whatever the moment requires. — Craig Jenkins, Vulture, 8 July 2026

Noun

Ojai has long been home to Theosophists, avant-gardists, potters and naturalists joining other outsiders and mystics with a whim for wonder. — Classical Music Critic, Los Angeles Times, 23 June 2026

But Goodman’s story is far stranger, and more significant, than that of a dippy mystic or a metaphysical scam artist. — Rachel Syme, New Yorker, 1 June 2026

Word History

Etymology

Adjective

Middle English mystyke "open to symbolic or spiritual interpretation," borrowed from Latin mysticus "of secret rites, secret," borrowed from Greek mystikós, from mýstēs "person initiated (into a religious cult)" (probably from mys-, variant stem of mȳ́ein "to close, shut [the eyes]"—of uncertain origin— + -tēs, agent suffix) + ikos -ic entry 1

Noun

probably derivative of mystic entry 1

First Known Use

Adjective

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Noun

1640, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing mystic

• mystic fire topaz
• mystic topaz

Rhymes for mystic

• cystic
• agonistic
• altruistic
• animistic
• aphoristic
• atheistic
• atomistic
• cabalistic
• calvinistic
• chauvinistic
• dualistic
• egoistic

Kids Definition

mystic

1 of 2 adjective

mys·​tic ˈmis-tik 

1

: mystical sense 1

2

: of or relating to magic : occult

3

: mysterious, awesome

mystic

2 of 2 noun

: a person who seeks direct knowledge of God through meditation and prayer

Geographical Definition

Mystic

geographical name

Mys·​tic ˈmi-stik 

river in eastern Massachusetts flowing southeast into Boston Harbor