transcendental

adjective

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tran·scen·den·tal | \ ˌtran(t)-ˌsen-ˈden-tᵊl

, -sən- \

Definition of transcendental

1a : transcendent sense 1b

b : supernatural

c : abstruse, abstract

d : of or relating to transcendentalism

2a : 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, e^x) 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

4 : transcendent sense 1a

Other Words from transcendental Synonyms & Antonyms More Example Sentences Learn More About transcendental

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 Through Casey’s plight of suburban isolation, the artist reaches out to us from a corner of the web’s endless abyss with an unmissable invitation, quite literally demonstrating the transcendental prowess of storytelling. — Carlos Aguilar, Los Angeles Times, 21 Apr. 2022 Is King representing the transcendental journey of Black people across continents over centuries, film has also helped reaffirm the idea of communities returning home. — Christian Adofo, Billboard, 19 Apr. 2022 Amleth’s transcendental initiation involves crawling around on all fours underground with his father, howling like wolves. — David Rooney, The Hollywood Reporter, 11 Apr. 2022 In whatever way Sibelius achieved it, his final symphony can, in the right hands, have a transcendental power. — Los Angeles Times, 22 Feb. 2022 The designer sneakers phenomenon is another testament to how the humble rubber shoe has become a transcendental fashion accessory. — Bianca Salonga, Forbes, 25 Oct. 2021 Classical music, in theory, is supposed to serve some sort of higher, almost transcendental purpose. — Isaac Chotiner, The New Yorker, 17 Mar. 2022 José Luis Dalmau, president of Puerto Rico’s senate and a member of the main opposition party, also praised the plan and called it a transcendental step for the island’s economic recovery. — DÁnica Coto, ajc, 18 Jan. 2022 Like its transcendental cousin π, e can be represented in countless ways — as the sum of infinite series, an infinite product, a limit of infinite sequences, an amazingly regular continued fraction, and so on. — Quanta Magazine, 24 Nov. 2021 See More

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'transcendental.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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transcendental

transcendental aesthetic

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Last Updated

2 May 2022

Cite this Entry

“Transcendental.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/transcendental. Accessed 29 May. 2022.

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