mystical

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adjective mys·ti·cal \ ˈmis-ti-kəl \

Definition of mystical

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 2

b :mystic 3

—

mystically

play \-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

See mystical defined for English-language learners

See mystical defined for kids

Examples of mystical in a Sentence

He has a mystical [mystic 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 of mystical from the Web

Unfortunately, the mystical arts of the Faceless Men have already had a detrimental effect on legions of Game of Thrones theorists.

— joanna robinson, vanityfair.com, "Game of Thrones: Okay, Seriously, How Does Arya’s Faceless Man Stuff Work?," 20 Aug. 2017
Unfortunately, the mystical arts of the Faceless Men have already had a detrimental effect on legions of Game of Thrones theorists.

— joanna robinson, HWD, "Game of Thrones: Okay, Seriously, How Does Arya’s Faceless Man Stuff Work?," 20 Aug. 2017
Dark blue lights are a more effective way to create a mystical scene—

— kiona smith-strickland, Popular Mechanics, "5 Scary Ways to Light Up Your Yard for Halloween," 15 Aug. 2017
Its concept takes inspiration from the mystery and magic of botánicas — shops that sell plants, herbs, candles and other mystical products used in Afro-Caribbean spiritual practices.

— detroit free press staff, Detroit Free Press, "Comerica Hatch Detroit Contest top 10 semi-finalists announced," 10 Aug. 2017
Then again, a good chunk of Cleveland’s troubles can be simply traced to bad luck, such as its awful performance at the plate in big spots, a condition that history tells us is due more to random variance than any lack of a mystical clutch gene.

— SI.com, "Cleveland Indians," 25 July 2017
Besson’s film has, up until now, been a relentless blitz of action, as Korben follows the mysterious Leeloo (Milla Jovovich) across the galaxy to help retrieve mystical stones that will help her save the world from a great, encroaching evil.

— david sims, The Atlantic, "How The Fifth Element Subverted Sci-Fi Movies," 19 July 2017
The Northern Lights are a mystical light show — and more often than not one that’s visible only in the far northern or southern reaches of the planet.

— nicole blanchard, idahostatesman, "Always wanted to see the Northern Lights? It may be possible in Boise tonight," 16 July 2017
The researchers have also used social media to predict personality, income, and political ideology, and to study hospital care, mystical experiences, and stereotypes.

— science news staff, Science | AAAS, "AI is changing how we do science. Get a glimpse," 5 July 2017

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'mystical.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

First Known Use of mystical

15th century

Other Occult Terms

augury, censor, invocation, lucidity, metempsychosis, mojo, numinous, preternatural, weird, wraith

MYSTICAL Defined for English Language Learners

mystical

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adjective

Definition of mystical for English Language Learners

: having a spiritual meaning that is difficult to see or understand
: of or relating to mystics or mysticism : resulting from prayer or deep thought

MYSTICAL Defined for Kids

mystical

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adjective mys·ti·cal \ ˈmi-sti-kəl \

Definition of mystical for Students

:having a spiritual meaning that is difficult to see or understand

a mystical symbol

Learn More about mystical

Spanish Central: Translation of mystical Nglish: Translation of mystical for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of mystical for Arabic speakers

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mystical

Definition of mystical

mystically

Examples of mystical in a Sentence

Recent Examples of mystical from the Web

First Known Use of mystical

Other Occult Terms

MYSTICAL Defined for English Language Learners

mystical

Definition of mystical for English Language Learners

MYSTICAL Defined for Kids

mystical

Definition of mystical for Students

Learn More about mystical

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