mysticism

noun

mys·​ti·​cism ˈmi-stə-ˌsi-zəm 

1

: the experience of mystical union or direct communion with ultimate reality reported by mystics

2

: the belief that direct knowledge of God, spiritual truth, or ultimate reality can be attained through subjective experience (such as intuition or insight)

3

a

: vague speculation : a belief without sound basis

b

: a theory postulating the possibility of direct and intuitive acquisition of ineffable knowledge or power

Examples of mysticism in a Sentence

Jewish, Christian, and Islamic mysticism.

a student of Eastern mysticism

Recent Examples on the Web

Taos, New Mexico Set at the base of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, Taos is a hub of mysticism, high desert healing, and New Age and Indigenous spiritual traditions. —Jen Murphy, Outside, 1 Feb. 2026

Magician Doug Henning announces plans to build Veda Land, a theme park based on magic, mysticism and transcendental meditation, in Osceola County. —Dewayne Bevil, The Orlando Sentinel, 31 Jan. 2026

Giving him that extra boost is the sampledelia of Preservation’s crate-digging mysticism. —Alphonse Pierre, Pitchfork, 30 Jan. 2026

They get sucked into the witch’s natural world of mysticism. —Randy Myers, Mercury News, 23 Jan. 2026

Word History

Etymology

mystic entry 1 + -ism

First Known Use

1724, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Rhymes for mysticism

• autism
• fascism
• racism
• sikhism
• statism
• sufism
• thomism
• tourism
• tropism
• abolitionism
• aldosteronism
• americanism

Kids Definition

mysticism

noun

mys·​ti·​cism ˈmis-tə-ˌsiz-əm 

1

: the experience of mystical union or direct communication with God

2

: the belief that direct knowledge of God or of spiritual truth can be achieved through deep meditation