philosophical

adjective

variants also philosophic
Definition of philosophicalnext
as in analytic
being, given to, or marked by deep thinking especially about fundamental questions of the world A philosophical person by nature, she spent many hours in deep thought about the great mysteries of life.

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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 philosophical Moreover, institutions must reassert a philosophical defense of education itself. — Jason Benedict, Fortune, 7 July 2026 The manager did not specify exactly what prompted the philosophical disagreements. — Cody Stavenhagen, New York Times, 7 July 2026 Intentionally vague and obscure, the Daodejing would go on to inspire various interpretations ranging from philosophical reflections to how to realize the Dao in everyday practice. — Michael Naparstek, The Conversation, 6 July 2026 For those not familiar with the term, anti-natalism is a philosophical stance that views life as unacceptably full of suffering and procreation as a morally indefensible thing. — Erik Pedersen, Oc Register, 6 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for philosophical
Recent Examples of Synonyms for philosophical
  1. analytic
  2. logical
  3. rational
  4. serious
  5. introspective
Adjective
  • The key is to partner with AI, leveraging its speed and analytical power while focusing on uniquely human skills like creativity, empathy, and critical thinking.
    — William Arruda, Forbes.com, 5 July 2026
  • Later, Anna needed to change perspective from an analytical view as a writer to an emotional approach as an actress to become the main character.
    — Georg Szalai, HollywoodReporter, 3 July 2026
Definition of analytic
Adjective
  • And Marte has already experienced professional success in Japan, making a return to NPB a logical next step after his latest setback in North America.
    — Peter Chawaga, Forbes.com, 8 July 2026
  • Taking the idea a step further, the authors took 940 problems from three math benchmark datasets and used an LLM to break down their logical structure into a set of premises and a final question.
    — Edd Gent, IEEE Spectrum, 8 July 2026
Definition of logical
Adjective
  • While shocking, the Australian Space Agency said there’s a completely rational, albeit cosmic, explanation.
    — Drew Pittock, USA Today, 8 July 2026
  • But for now, the decline of reading seems to be ushering in a less rational, analytical, and sophisticated mode of thinking.
    — Rose Horowitch, The Atlantic, 8 July 2026
Definition of rational
Adjective
  • Top Gear's Jack Rix has actually had a gander at the Torcal, and described it as having a large grille with illuminating 3D diamonds for serious bling.
    — Abhimanyu Ghoshal, New Atlas, 8 July 2026
  • Many countries, already facing political storms and serious fiscal problems, will struggle to meaningfully cut their welfare systems or change their spending models, said Andrew Kenningham, chief Europe economist at Capital Economics.
    — David Goldman, CNN Money, 8 July 2026
Definition of serious
Adjective
  • That seems to have helped inspire the introspective, memoiristic aspects of this album.
    — Rob Sheffield, Rolling Stone, 3 July 2026
  • Simón’s new film — introspective, often visually breath-stopping, and lensed with glittering coastal beauty by cinematographer Hélène Louvart — premiered at Cannes 2025 in competition, went on to play at myriad festivals, and is only now opening in the United States from Janus Films.
    — Ryan Lattanzio, IndieWire, 24 June 2026
Definition of introspective

Browse Nearby Words

philosophers
philosophical
philosophies
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Cite this Entry

“Philosophical.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/philosophical. Accessed 13 Jul. 2026.

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