mystical

adjective

mys·​ti·​cal ˈmi-sti-kəl 

1

a

: having a spiritual meaning or reality that is neither apparent to the senses nor obvious to the intelligence

the mystical food of the sacrament

b

: involving or having the nature of an individual's direct subjective communion with God or ultimate reality

the mystical experience of the Inner Light

2

: mysterious, unintelligible

3

a

: mystic sense 2

b

: mystic sense 3

mystically

ˈmi-sti-k(ə-)lē 

adverb

Examples of mystical in a Sentence

He has a mystical union with God.

She says that the symbol has mystical powers.

the deep, almost mystical quality of her poetry

a mystical journey in search of God

mystical knowledge of the spirit world

Recent Examples on the Web

That inspiration was in no small part owed to yet another composer’s mystical touch, the iconic John Williams. —David John Chávez, Mercury News, 30 Jan. 2026

Even the most insipid formulaic pop nonsense can induce that almost mystical reflection of life if your connections to the time of its airplay are meaningful. —Jody Mamone, Hartford Courant, 27 Jan. 2026

The power-plant theory is an iteration of that tradition—a movement away from mystical explanations such as the Curse of the Billy Goat and toward shareable deep dives, investigations, and dot-connecting. —Kaitlyn Tiffany, The Atlantic, 23 Jan. 2026

Leadership is often treated as something mystical—an ineffable quality possessed by a lucky few. —Rodger Dean Duncan, Forbes.com, 22 Jan. 2026

Word History

Etymology

mystic entry 1 + -al entry 1

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Rhymes for mystical

• atheistical
• egotistical
• logistical
• sophistical
• statistical

Kids Definition

mystical

adjective

mys·​ti·​cal ˈmis-ti-kəl 

1

: having a spiritual meaning or reality that is not immediately apparent to the senses or the mind

2

: of, relating to, or resulting from communication directly with God

mystically

-k(ə-)lē 

adverb