transcendence

noun

tran·​scen·​dence tran(t)-ˈsen-dən(t)s How to pronounce transcendence (audio)
: the quality or state of being transcendent

Examples of transcendence in a Sentence

makes a case for the transcendence of Louis Armstrong's contributions to the field of jazz
Recent Examples on the Web There have been varying interpretations over the years: grim darkness (Matt Reeves’s The Batman), aspirations to realism and thematic transcendence (Christopher Nolan’s Dark Knight trilogy), gothic surreality (Tim Burton’s Batman and Batman Returns) . . . Jack Butler, National Review, 30 Dec. 2023 New York Philharmonic Geffen Hall, May 23–28 Jaap Van Zweden conducts two masterpieces of mystical transcendence: Mozart’s Requiem and Sofia Gubaidulina’s Viola Concerto, which draws its richness from the instrument’s velvety, hooded midrange. Vulture, 5 Jan. 2024 Advertisement Mead and Bateson thought that scientists would lead the vanguard of a revolution in bringing the wisdom and the experiences of other cultures into the modern world, the creation of a sort of global culture that would allow for some form of transcendence. David Lipset, Los Angeles Times, 12 Jan. 2024 Ancient souls will feel young again: A meditation labyrinth and reflecting pond promise transcendence, while the earthbound golfer makes his or her way around the plush golf course. David Weiss, wsj.com, 4 May 2023 Pharoah Sanders — Pharoah A spiritual/free-jazz avatar who accompanied John Coltrane on some of the most cosmic musical excursions of the late ‘60s, Pharoah Sanders pursued sonic transcendence and communion for the rest of his life. Saby Reyes-Kulkarni, SPIN, 20 Dec. 2023 Flying, Miyazaki tells us, is one of the few concrete ways humans can achieve a kind of transcendence, and this transcendence is beautiful. Maya Phillips, New York Times, 8 Dec. 2023 The idea that Miguel, R&B’s golden boy throughout the 2010s, is using physical pain as a vehicle for spiritual transcendence may hold some discord for fans who see him — and his music — as a time capsule. Julissa James, Los Angeles Times, 9 Aug. 2023 On Rat Saw God, the band reaches shoegaze transcendence, screamo heaven, and the kind of catharsis that leaves you exhausted in the most glorious way. Pitchfork, 6 Dec. 2023

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'transcendence.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1601, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of transcendence was in 1601

Dictionary Entries Near transcendence

Cite this Entry

“Transcendence.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/transcendence. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

transcendence

noun
tran·​scen·​dence tran(t)s-ˈen-dən(t)s How to pronounce transcendence (audio)
: the quality or state of being transcendent
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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