mysticism

noun

mys·​ti·​cism ˈmi-stə-ˌsi-zəm How to pronounce mysticism (audio)
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
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.
The album is heavily inspired by the world of mysticism and spirituality. Dan Rys, Billboard, 5 Nov. 2025 The two began dating and later married, with Boyd sharing Harrison’s growing interest in Eastern mysticism. Matt Grobar, Deadline, 31 Oct. 2025 What brought you to study more magic and mysticism? Brittany Spanos, Rolling Stone, 31 Oct. 2025 In my favorite works of his, like A Case for the Existence of God and A Bright New Boise—a play that has its own surreal dynamic with television screens, which play images of hell in the middle of a big-box store—Hunter locates an unnerving mysticism in between the atoms of the hyper-real. Jackson McHenry, Vulture, 31 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for mysticism

Word History

Etymology

mystic entry 1 + -ism

First Known Use

1724, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Time Traveler
The first known use of mysticism was in 1724

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Cite this Entry

“Mysticism.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/mysticism. Accessed 11 Nov. 2025.

Kids Definition

mysticism

noun
mys·​ti·​cism ˈmis-tə-ˌsiz-əm How to pronounce mysticism (audio)
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

More from Merriam-Webster on mysticism

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