transcendental
adjective
tran·scen·den·tal
ˌtran(t)-ˌsen-ˈden-tᵊl 
-sən-
1
b
d
: of or relating to transcendentalism
2
a
: incapable of being the root of an algebraic equation with rational coefficients
π is a transcendental number
b
: being, involving, or representing a function (such as sin x, log x, ex) that cannot be expressed by a finite number of algebraic operations
transcendental curves
3
in Kantian philosophy
a
: of or relating to experience as determined by the mind's makeup
b
: transcending experience but not human knowledge
Examples of transcendental in a Sentence
the concept of the soul as a transcendental entity that exists entirely apart from the body
in his speeches he manifests a transcendental ability to inspire people from all points on the political spectrum
Recent Examples on the Web
By the late 1970s, Gayden had embraced transcendental Indian and Native American spirituality and formed the funk and jazz jam band Skyboat.
—
Marcus K. Dowling, The Tennessean, 2 July 2025
His willingness to take his talent to Bologna and Brescia to give himself the best chance of making World Cup squads was a transcendental choice.
—James Horncastle, New York Times, 30 June 2025
After decades of unleashing all sorts of brilliant, transcendental digs to people of all races and backgrounds, has Patti LuPone gone too far by doubling down on her feud with two prestigious actresses of color?
—Raven Smith, Vogue, 28 May 2025
Plus, the music is still transcendental across the board.
—David Jagneaux, Forbes.com, 23 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for transcendental
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.
Marcus K. Dowling, The Tennessean, 2 July 2025
His willingness to take his talent to Bologna and Brescia to give himself the best chance of making World Cup squads was a transcendental choice.
—James Horncastle, New York Times, 30 June 2025
After decades of unleashing all sorts of brilliant, transcendental digs to people of all races and backgrounds, has Patti LuPone gone too far by doubling down on her feud with two prestigious actresses of color?
—Raven Smith, Vogue, 28 May 2025
Plus, the music is still transcendental across the board.
—David Jagneaux, Forbes.com, 23 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for transcendental
Cite this Entry
“Transcendental.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/transcendental. Accessed 25 Jul. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
transcendental
adjective
tran·scen·den·tal
ˌtran(t)s-ˌen-ˈdent-ᵊl
-ən-
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share