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numinous

adjective

ˈnü-mə-nəs How to pronounce numinous (audio)
Definition of numinousnext
as in magic
having seemingly supernatural qualities or powers some have sensed a numinous energy in the landscape around Sedona, Arizona

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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 numinous De Hooch’s 1663 painting delivers exactly as little drama and numinous transcendence as its title promises. — Susan Tallman, The Atlantic, 11 July 2026 In an old-growth forest, the beauty of old trees intertwines with the bodies of those trying to save them, creating something numinous. — Robert Moor, New Yorker, 2 Mar. 2026 Though also suspended, Bo Bardi’s building generously offers a sheltering agora for all people on the street rather than a numinous temple for rarefied art audiences. — Michaëla De Lacaze Mohrmann, Artforum, 1 Jan. 2026 In this numinous world, visitors come by for death bed reckonings, and the CEO will have many scores to settle. — Emma Alpern, Vulture, 30 Dec. 2025 See All Example Sentences for numinous
Recent Examples of Synonyms for numinous
  1. magic
  2. mystic
  3. magical
Adjective
  • The magic number to clinch the NL Central is down to two, either wins by Milwaukee or losses from Chicago, or both.
    — Johnny Flores Jr, New York Times, 15 Sep. 2026
  • Their win over the Reds (70-80) trimmed that magic number to three.
    — Maddie Lee, Los Angeles Times, 15 Sep. 2026
Definition of magic
Adjective
  • Such questions, in fact, may not be the right ones to ask about the man variously described as a teacher, philosopher, maverick mystic, and enlightened person.
    — Matthew Carey, Deadline, 5 Sep. 2026
  • The piece, inspired by the 12th-century polymathic mystic Saint Hildegard of Bingen, was skin-tinglingly breathy and slow, with long tones (played by Malone and her accompanist Stephen O’Malley) that rose up and swirled around the room.
    — Andy Battaglia, ARTnews.com, 7 Aug. 2026
Definition of mystic
Adjective
  • Here, Agapi explains why autumn is so magical in the Greek capital, and lets us in on some of her favorite places to visit at this time of year.
    — Olivia Morelli, Condé Nast Traveler, 10 Sep. 2026
  • The ordeal forces Sally to admit the existence of their magical powers.
    — Lexy Perez, HollywoodReporter, 10 Sep. 2026
Definition of magical

Browse Nearby Words

numerous
numinous
numinousness
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Cite this Entry

“Numinous.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/numinous. Accessed 17 Sep. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on numinous

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about numinous

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