metaphysical

1 of 2

adjective

meta·​phys·​i·​cal ˌme-tə-ˈfi-zi-kəl How to pronounce metaphysical (audio)
1
: of or relating to metaphysics
metaphysical truth
metaphysical speculation
2
a
: of or relating to the transcendent (see transcendent sense 1) or to a reality beyond what is perceptible to the senses
fleeing from experience to a metaphysical realmJohn Dewey
b
: supernatural
fate and metaphysical aid doth seem to have thee crown'dWilliam Shakespeare
3
: highly abstract or abstruse
also : theoretical
metaphysical reasoning
4
often capitalized : of or relating to poetry especially of the early 17th century that is highly intellectual and philosophical and marked by unconventional figurative language
metaphysical poets
metaphysically adverb

Metaphysical

2 of 2

noun

: a metaphysical poet of the 17th century

Examples of metaphysical in a Sentence

Adjective a metaphysical world of spirits a work that deals with such metaphysical questions as the very nature of knowledge
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
Adjective
To what end? Riri meets Mephisto at the metaphysical diner. Stacia Brown, Vulture, 2 July 2025 Body Mind Spirit Celebration Enjoy entertainment, shop metaphysical vendors, get a reading or healing, and explore live learning sessions that include crystals, holistic wellness, tarot and more at this celebration of the body, mind and spirit. Luann Gibbs, The Enquirer, 2 July 2025 Vendors will offer beads, minerals, gemstones, custom jewelry, fossils, artifacts, and metaphysical stones. Joe Rassel, The Orlando Sentinel, 2 July 2025 For some, these words may just be a bit too much – too metaphysical. Roberta Naas, Forbes.com, 18 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for metaphysical

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Noun

1887, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of metaphysical was in the 15th century

Browse Nearby Words

See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Metaphysical.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/metaphysical. Accessed 10 Jul. 2025.

Kids Definition

metaphysical

adjective
meta·​phys·​i·​cal ˌmet-ə-ˈfiz-i-kəl How to pronounce metaphysical (audio)
1
: of, relating to, or based on metaphysics
2
3
: difficult to understand : abstract
metaphysically adverb

More from Merriam-Webster on metaphysical

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!