SPIRITUAL Synonyms: 88 Similar and Opposite Words

spiritual 1 of 2

adjective

ˈspir-i-chə-wəl

Definition of spiritual

as in metaphysical

not composed of matter a staunch skeptic and realist, he scoffs at the very notion of ghosts and other spiritual entities

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in religious

of, relating to, or used in the practice or worship services of a religion spiritual songs that have been sung by generations of worshippers

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

spiritual

2 of 2

noun

as in hymn

a religious song sang a spiritual at the funeral

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Example Sentences

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.

Recent Examples of spiritual

Adjective

Shot in 35mm black and white in the Amazon rainforest, the film required creating a timeless world where the spiritual and physical coexist. — Anna Marie De La Fuente, Variety, 16 July 2026 The sight of the sun being blotted out has long had religious and spiritual meaning. — Adam Kovac, Scientific American, 15 July 2026

Noun

Let’s go back to the first century, when Jesus united the physical and the spiritual. — Stephanie McCrummen, The Atlantic, 18 May 2026 Stanley had a songbook full of these, some spirited, some spiritual. — Literary Hub, 28 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for spiritual

Recent Examples of Synonyms for spiritual

Adjective

This spiritual, metaphysical, and downright weird show is ostensibly about a nun’s quest to find and destroy the Holy Grail, which will result in the deactivation of the powerful, pervasive AI that gives the series its name.

— Sara Netzley, Entertainment Weekly, 2 July 2026
In both the real and metaphysical locations of the show, the backgrounds are all painted by hand, something which was pointed out took up a lot of time due to the number of paintings in the show and due to the number of montages.

— Kambole Campbell, Variety, 25 June 2026

Definition of metaphysical

Adjective

Shinto was formally separated from the state after World War II, but its traditions still reflect a broader history of religious and cultural influences.

— ABC News, ABC News, 19 July 2026
Otero Alcántara has a long history of incorporating the religious symbols into his artwork.

— Devoun Cetoute, Miami Herald, 19 July 2026

Definition of religious

Noun

One of six children, Tyler grew up idolizing Tina Turner and Janis Joplin and singing hymns in the Anglican church her parents attended.

— Adela Suliman, NBC news, 9 July 2026
On this particular afternoon, worship began with an opening hymn that Brown led from the back, a one-woman choir.

— Andrew Carter, Chicago Tribune, 5 July 2026

Definition of hymn

Adjective

And while Argentina’s culture of talk therapy may turn psychic suffering into words on the therapist’s couch, fans may be reassured that the pros are trained to translate their nerves into strategy on the pitch.

— Caitlin Stephen Hu, CNN Money, 18 July 2026
While Fort Lauderdale Police previously used a psychic in Sophie’s case, the department has not worked with Taborn before on any case, Liening said.

— Angie DiMichele, Sun Sentinel, 18 July 2026

Definition of psychic

Adjective

These foundations were care, equality, proportionality (rewarding individuals relative to their contribution), loyalty, authority or respect for legitimate authorities, and purity (concern with preserving what is seen as natural or sacred).

— Alexandra Figueroa, The Conversation, 14 July 2026
Trump reduced the size of Bears Ears and Grand Staircase-Escalante national monuments in Utah by about 90% each, undoing protections established by former presidents on public lands that are sacred among many Native Americans.

— Elizabeth Robinson, NBC news, 14 July 2026

Definition of sacred

Adjective

This resulted not just in a convincing depiction of a supernatural creature but also a surprisingly tender one in keeping with the overall humanistic tone of the film.

— Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 14 July 2026
Deon is also working with Kevin Hart’s production company to write, direct, and star in two new Black supernatural movies, which are slated to appear on Tubi in 2026.

— Rachel Brodsky, Time, 14 July 2026

Definition of supernatural

Noun

Take The Music Lesson, a study of a young woman playing the virginal, closely watched by a gentleman, which Graham-Dixon reads as a depiction of Collegiants chastely performing and singing psalms.

— Clare Bucknell, Harpers Magazine, 23 June 2026
Over the course of Gregory Orr’s long career, his poems have become increasingly incantatory, more and more like chants or psalms, repeating, reformulating, reaching for the edges of the same rich metaphors.

— Craig Morgan Teicher, Literary Hub, 1 June 2026

Definition of psalm

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Style

“Spiritual.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/spiritual. Accessed 19 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of spiritual

adjective

noun

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