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 Drapatyi's appointment marked a sharp generational and philosophical break from Syrskyi, who was shaped by Soviet military tradition. — ABC News, 23 July 2026 The resulting book, a deliberately meandering account of her Steel City sojourn, weds memoir, travelogue, philosophical rumination and journalistic investigation. — Los Angeles Times, 20 July 2026 Lange and Reyna used the time apart as a wide-open creative space, not so much focused on any specific conceptual or a philosophical (or even emotional) basis for the record, but on a feeling of soft moodiness. — E.r. Pulgar, Pitchfork, 20 July 2026 The Little Prince is one of those books that is thought of as both a philosophical fable for children and adults. — Kait Hanson, Southern Living, 17 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
  • Whether the issue was rare earths, electric vehicles, robotics, semiconductors, or artificial intelligence, the analytical mistake has remained remarkably consistent.
    — Dewardric L. McNeal, CNBC, 2 Aug. 2026
  • Putnam was an exception to this rule as an analytic philosopher who ventured into continental territory.
    — Theodore McDarrah, Forbes.com, 31 July 2026
Definition of analytic
Adjective
  • More importantly, the researchers found that the effective logical error rate was 10 times lower than the physical error rate.
    — Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 30 July 2026
  • The Cardinals needed an available reliever more than a starter recovering from a 77-pitch appearance, making Dobbins the logical roster casualty despite his otherwise solid work during his first extended opportunity in the major leagues.
    — Peter Chawaga, Forbes.com, 29 July 2026
Definition of logical
Adjective
  • If writing a 10-page proposal yields $30,000 in capital faster than closing 50 cold calls, a rational business owner will devote their afternoons to proposal writing.
    — AllBusiness, Forbes.com, 1 Aug. 2026
  • So much for the rational part of an exasperating season that marked the first time since 2014 that the Chiefs failed to make the playoffs.
    — Vahe Gregorian July 31, Kansas City Star, 31 July 2026
Definition of rational
Adjective
  • Senior local official Dagnachew Azbite told the BBC that seven people had been found injured, with five of the victims sustaining serious injuries.
    — Charna Flam, PEOPLE, 5 Aug. 2026
  • Beyond the figures, a scroll of social media or a quick scan of the girlies at airports and Pilates reformer studios in major cities will tell you that Alo continues to capture serious athleisure market share.
    — Lucy Maguire, Vogue, 4 Aug. 2026
Definition of serious
Adjective
  • The red planet doesn’t care to journey through this Water sign — given its introspective and emotional nature — but that doesn’t mean it can’t be harnessed correctly.
    — Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 1 Aug. 2026
  • This free and fiery take on folk and indie pop could have benefitted from an edit that allowed its highlights to shine, but its deceptively soft, introspective parts are potent nonetheless.
    — Lina Lecaro, SPIN, 20 July 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 5 Aug. 2026.

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