mind over matter
idiom
—used to describe a situation in which someone is able to control a physical condition, problem, etc., by using the mind
His ability to keep going even when he is tired is a simple question of mind over matter.
Examples of mind over matter in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Phineas Parkhurst Quimby, one of the fathers of the New Thought movement, carried Cartesian dualism to its extreme: mind over matter, always.
—
Literary Hub, 8 Sep. 2025
Like the eponymous Phoenix, the documentary participants have all risen over seemingly insurmountable barriers to prove the power of mind over matter.
—Gus Alexiou, Forbes.com, 3 Apr. 2025
Even as an adventurous eater, the realism of this dish challenged my perception of mind over matter.
—Megan Murphy, Travel + Leisure, 7 Jan. 2025
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.
Literary Hub, 8 Sep. 2025
Like the eponymous Phoenix, the documentary participants have all risen over seemingly insurmountable barriers to prove the power of mind over matter.
—Gus Alexiou, Forbes.com, 3 Apr. 2025
Even as an adventurous eater, the realism of this dish challenged my perception of mind over matter.
—Megan Murphy, Travel + Leisure, 7 Jan. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Mind over matter.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/mind%20over%20matter. Accessed 17 Sep. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share