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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Recent Examples of numinous
Instead of dotting the same black scrim, like pinholes in a two-dimensional theater backdrop, the stars were scattered through space at dramatically varying distances, a vast swarm of them filling every last corner of an even vaster, more numinous, and emphatically three-dimensional darkness.
—
Michael Pollan, The Atlantic, 26 Jan. 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
Venus and Jupiter will also harmonize with numinous Neptune, adding a touch of magic to your union.
—Valerie Mesa, Peoplemag, 10 May 2024
See All Example Sentences for numinous
Michael Pollan, The Atlantic, 26 Jan. 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
Venus and Jupiter will also harmonize with numinous Neptune, adding a touch of magic to your union.
—Valerie Mesa, Peoplemag, 10 May 2024
See All Example Sentences for numinous
Recent Examples of Synonyms for numinous
Adjective
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Speaking of YouTube, the world’s biggest streaming platform is also with us today, as five of its top creators/producers/hosts discuss the magic sauce of making their popular shows.—
The Deadline Team,
Deadline,
30 May 2026
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The moment is going to feel like a small magic trick.—
Vivian Toh,
Forbes.com,
30 May 2026
Adjective
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The mystic chords that bind us together matter more than any policy.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
23 Mar. 2026
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Operating within those parameters, the mystic outlands trend extends to some of the world’s most mesmerizing corners.—
Nicole Kliest,
Vogue,
11 Mar. 2026
Adjective
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The earlier one is a showcase for Aidy Bryant, but Keaton takes center stage in this kid’s-show sendup, where it’s gradually revealed that the magical world the childlike host has created for himself has sinister undertones (as well as unpaid bills).—
Jesse Hassenger,
Entertainment Weekly,
28 May 2026
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The whole resort has a magical feel to it–something like an imaginative, culturally-rich dreamland for thoughtful travelers who appreciate the elegance and joy of life.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
27 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Numinous.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/numinous. Accessed 4 Jun. 2026.
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