transcendental

adjective

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

-sən-

1

a

: transcendent sense 1b

b

: supernatural

c

: abstruse, abstract

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, 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

transcendentally

ˌtran(t)-ˌsen-ˈden-tᵊl-ē 

-sən-

adverb

Synonyms

• metaphysical
• otherworldly
• paranormal
• preternatural
• supernatural
• transcendent
• unearthly

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

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

From transcendental meditation to online shopping, these are the pop star's must-haves for touring. —Kimi Robinson, USA Today, 17 Apr. 2025

The amount of active cortisol was higher for those who practiced transcendental meditation, the study found. —Melissa Rudy, FOXNews.com, 15 Apr. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1624, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Rhymes for transcendental

• accidental
• compartmental
• continental
• detrimental
• elemental
• fundamental
• governmental
• incidental
• incremental
• instrumental
• interdental
• monumental

Kids Definition

transcendental

adjective

tran·​scen·​den·​tal ˌtran(t)s-ˌen-ˈdent-ᵊl 

-ən-

: transcendent sense 2

transcendentally

-ᵊl-ē 

adverb