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metaphysical

adjective

ˌme-tə-ˈfi-zi-kəl How to pronounce metaphysical (audio)
Definition of metaphysicalnext
1
as in theoretical
dealing with or expressing a quality or idea a work that deals with such metaphysical questions as the very nature of knowledge

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in supernatural
of, relating to, or being part of a reality beyond the observable physical universe belief in a metaphysical world beyond the one in which we live

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 metaphysical Eddy has been spared the worst violence; the novel casts his racial privilege as a kind of metaphysical exemption. — Katy Waldman, New Yorker, 31 Aug. 2026 There seems to be a deliberate effort here to make the show more fun without dumbing down its metaphysical and philosophical implications. — Scott Tobias, Vulture, 28 Aug. 2026 This famous line for musicians also has a deeper metaphysical element – the present moment is where transformation occurs. — The Christian Science Monitor, Christian Science Monitor, 28 Aug. 2026 The Averys also lack the deep, metaphysical suggestiveness of the Gottliebs. — Sebastian Smee, The Atlantic, 27 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for metaphysical
Recent Examples of Synonyms for metaphysical
  1. theoretical
  2. supernatural
  3. abstract
  4. paranormal
  5. conceptual
  6. transcendental
  7. mental
  8. mystical
Adjective
  • In fact, the ability to see the curve from 25 meters away may only hold in perfect theoretical conditions—such as a single high-contrast line on a two-dimensional surface.
    — Emma Gometz, Scientific American, 22 Sep. 2026
  • This lowers the cost of the trade and increases the position's theoretical probability of profit to ~56%.
    — Julia Spina, CNBC, 22 Sep. 2026
Definition of theoretical
Adjective
  • Hogan builds the film around audiences’ fascination with the true crime documentary format before steering the narrative into unexpected supernatural territory.
    — Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 21 Sep. 2026
  • The cursed island town in Widow’s Bay has summoned all kinds of supernatural entities, much to the dismay of its residents.
    — Larisha Paul, Rolling Stone, 15 Sep. 2026
Definition of supernatural
Adjective
  • Viewers can ponder Dunham’s dramatic stylistic shift from abstract forms to cartoonish figurative images through the exhibition’s 50 career-spanning works.
    — Jane Wooldridge, Miami Herald, 24 Sep. 2026
  • In the biopharmaceutical industry, that question is never abstract.
    — Mike Raab, Forbes.com, 22 Sep. 2026
Definition of abstract
Adjective
  • Buckle up for Seven of Nine exploring a remote cluster of uncanny exoplanets, strange alien artifacts, long lost civilizations, and trippy paranormal anomalies.
    — Jeff Spry, Space.com, 23 Sep. 2026
  • And the original Control taught gamers about brutalist architecture by taking place entirely within The Oldest House, an impossibly ever-shifting building home to government agents investigating paranormal threats.
    — Jordan Minor, PC Magazine, 18 Sep. 2026
Definition of paranormal
Adjective
  • From 1998, Liu began to explore the conceptual approach of making an incision—creating something akin to a wound.
    — Lavender Au, ARTnews.com, 21 Sep. 2026
  • Historically, underscores hasn’t written much about her personal life, opting for conceptual work.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 21 Sep. 2026
Definition of conceptual
Adjective
  • As many an influencer has learned, that identity bestows the transcendental rewards of unconditional love—and plenty of new branding opportunities.
    — Annie Joy Williams, The Atlantic, 28 July 2026
  • Stablecoins have become one of crypto’s most transcendental inventions.
    — Camila Grigera Naón, Fortune, 15 July 2026
Definition of transcendental
Adjective
  • In case your mental math isn’t checking out, Major League Soccer didn’t come on the scene until 1996.
    — AJ Willingham, AJC.com, 24 Sep. 2026
  • The program has also evolved to put a greater emphasis on mental wellbeing, with Harry advocating for mental fitness and communication skills to be incorporated into the curriculum.
    — Simon Perry, PEOPLE, 24 Sep. 2026
Definition of mental
Adjective
  • Her mystical encounters with the divine through the natural world are reminiscent of poets like Gerard Manley Hopkins, Wendell Berry and Mary Oliver.
    — Amy Cannon, The Conversation, 18 Sep. 2026
  • Streep is voicing Aslan, the mythical lion who creates the mystical world of Narnia.
    — Rebecca Rubin, Variety, 17 Sep. 2026
Definition of mystical

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metaphysical
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Cite this Entry

“Metaphysical.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/metaphysical. Accessed 25 Sep. 2026.

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