metaphysical

1 of 2

adjective

meta·​phys·​i·​cal ˌme-tə-ˈfi-zi-kəl 

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 realm

—John Dewey

b

: supernatural

fate and metaphysical aid doth seem to have thee crown'd

—William 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

ˌme-tə-ˈfi-zi-k(ə-)lē 

adverb

Metaphysical

2 of 2

noun

: a metaphysical poet of the 17th century

Synonyms

Adjective

• theoretical
• theoretic
• abstract
• conceptual
• mental

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

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

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Noun

1887, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for metaphysical

• astrophysical
• biophysical
• geophysical
• psychophysical
• thermophysical
• nonphysical
• physical
• quizzical

Kids Definition

metaphysical

adjective

meta·​phys·​i·​cal ˌmet-ə-ˈfiz-i-kəl 

1

: of, relating to, or based on metaphysics

2

: supernatural sense 1

3

: difficult to understand : abstract

metaphysically

-i-k(ə-)lē 

adverb