transcendent

adjective

tran·​scen·​dent tran(t)-ˈsen-dənt 

1

a

: exceeding usual limits : surpassing

b

: extending or lying beyond the limits of ordinary experience

c

in Kantian philosophy : being beyond the limits of all possible experience and knowledge

2

: being beyond comprehension

3

: transcending the universe or material existence compare immanent sense 2

4

: universally applicable or significant

the antislavery movement … recognized the transcendent importance of liberty

—L. H. Tribe

transcendently adverb

Did you know?

The Latin verb scandere means "to climb", so transcend has the basic meaning of climbing so high that you cross some boundary. A transcendent experience is one that takes you out of yourself and convinces you of a larger life or existence; in this sense, it means something close to "spiritual". The American writers and thinkers known as the Transcendentalists, including Ralph Waldo Emerson and Henry David Thoreau, believed in the unity of all creation, the basic goodness of humankind, and the superiority of spiritual vision over mere logic. When we speak of the transcendent importance of an issue such as climate change, we may mean that everything else on earth actually depends on it.

Synonyms

• metaphysical
• otherworldly
• paranormal
• preternatural
• supernatural
• transcendental
• unearthly

Examples of transcendent in a Sentence

a firm belief in angels, demons, and other transcendent beings

the star player's transcendent performance helped the team to a surprise victory

Recent Examples on the Web

The level of transcendent thinking also does not correlate with brain maturation at the study’s start. —Aaron Shattuck, Scientific American, 20 May 2025

What the film got mostly right was Dylan’s often transcendent music. —George Varga, San Diego Union-Tribune, 8 May 2025

In many ways, the film is about music and its transcendent nature. —Nick Romano, EW.com, 17 Apr. 2025

The exclusive Dawn Patrol experience with Whistler Heli-skiing continues through April 20th, delivering adventurous souls to pristine backcountry bowls bathed in the golden light of sunrise—a transcendent experience that combines perfect snow conditions with breathtaking visual splendor. —Shelby Knick, Forbes.com, 2 Apr. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Latin transcendent-, transcendens, present participle of transcendere

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Rhymes for transcendent

• appendant
• ascendant
• attendant
• defendant
• dependant
• dependent
• descendant
• descendent
• intendant
• resplendent
• codefendant
• independent

Kids Definition

transcendent

adjective

tran·​scen·​dent tran(t)s-ˈen-dənt 

1

: superior to or going beyond the usual : extraordinary

2

: going beyond the limits of ordinary experience