mysticism
noun
mys·ti·cism
ˈmi-stə-ˌsi-zəm 
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
At the 2026 Biennale, his pavilion will center on the Sufi concept of Fana, the annihilation of self to achieve a collective awakening, and will posit quantum physics as the contemporary counterpart to fifteenth-century Hurufi mysticism.
—
News Desk, Artforum, 2 Mar. 2026
Once used primarily for fortune-telling tarot has also evolved into a tool for other forms of mysticism such as storytelling, symbology, holistic reflection, spiritual exploration, and therapeutic self-discovery.
—Literary Hub, 26 Feb. 2026
Alper leans into the mysticism without ever coming down on one side or another, and as the narrative hurtles toward its tragic conclusion, Salvation starts to feel almost like a horror movie.
—Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 26 Feb. 2026
Shaw toggles between mysticism and toe-tapping rhythm, between experimentation and predictability, his songs inclined both to meander into the unknown and to return to melody.
—Linnie Greene, Pitchfork, 17 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for mysticism
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News Desk, Artforum, 2 Mar. 2026
Once used primarily for fortune-telling tarot has also evolved into a tool for other forms of mysticism such as storytelling, symbology, holistic reflection, spiritual exploration, and therapeutic self-discovery.
—Literary Hub, 26 Feb. 2026
Alper leans into the mysticism without ever coming down on one side or another, and as the narrative hurtles toward its tragic conclusion, Salvation starts to feel almost like a horror movie.
—Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 26 Feb. 2026
Shaw toggles between mysticism and toe-tapping rhythm, between experimentation and predictability, his songs inclined both to meander into the unknown and to return to melody.
—Linnie Greene, Pitchfork, 17 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for mysticism
Cite this Entry
“Mysticism.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/mysticism. Accessed 12 Mar. 2026.
Copy CitationKids 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
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