transcendent

adjective

tran·​scen·​dent tran(t)-ˈsen-dənt How to pronounce transcendent (audio)
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 libertyL. 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.

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
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.
And why the transcendent glory of America’s favorite frosty dessert is somehow celebrated in a single day is indeed a humiliating national scandal. Randy McMullen, Mercury News, 17 July 2025 Bieber often doesn’t need to say anything to generate transcendent feeling. Brady Brickner-Wood, New Yorker, 16 July 2025 Enjoy this performance, which highlights the profound spirituality and intricate vocal textures of Rachmaninoff’s composition, offering a transcendent musical experience. David L. Coddon, San Diego Union-Tribune, 27 Mar. 2025 That is particularly true of Victor’s transcendent depiction of an unbreakable bond between the smart and funny New England college professor Agnes (Victor) and her bestie and former college roomie Lydie (Naomi Ackie). Randy Myers, Mercury News, 4 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for transcendent

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of transcendent was in the 15th century

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Cite this Entry

“Transcendent.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/transcendent. Accessed 25 Jul. 2025.

Kids Definition

transcendent

adjective
tran·​scen·​dent tran(t)s-ˈen-dənt How to pronounce transcendent (audio)
1
: superior to or going beyond the usual : extraordinary
2
: going beyond the limits of ordinary experience

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