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 The weather rewrites your shooting schedule every morning, and there’s an almost philosophical lesson in learning to accept that without giving up. — Rafa Sales Ross, Variety, 27 Oct. 2026 The economist was infamous in London’s philosophical circles for arguing fervently—and, many thought, heartlessly—against poor relief. — Literary Hub, 26 Oct. 2026 Both shows veer into surprisingly philosophical and meta explorations of love, memory, perception, and performance. — Zoe Sottile, CNN Money, 24 Oct. 2026 To cope with this reality, philosophical and religious traditions such as Buddhism and Stoicism have long focused on transience, unpredictability, and the inevitability of change and loss. — Maia Szalavitz, Scientific American, 20 Oct. 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 analytic-minded architect who assembled so much underrated talent left for the biggest market in baseball.
    — Hannah Keyser, CNN Money, 29 Oct. 2026
  • Today’s high schoolers will be eligible to cast their first ballots within a year or two, and those who have been exposed to economics will have stronger analytical thinking and problem-solving skills.
    — Julie Weaver, Baltimore Sun, 28 Oct. 2026
Definition of analytic
Adjective
  • But there’s something bracingly logical about injecting the synthetic jolt of electronic dance music into a hospital environment, where vulnerable bodies are sustained by machines.
    — Emily Nussbaum, New Yorker, 5 Nov. 2026
  • With 40 percent of its revenue generated by returning customers, Braquet said this focus was the logical next step and the motivation in their ongoing first funding round.
    — Lily Templeton, Footwear News, 3 Nov. 2026
Definition of logical
Adjective
  • Kim will face his last days when a large enough body of North Korean elites conclude that remaining loyal is no longer their safest and most rational choice.
    — Jieun Baek, Foreign Affairs, 30 Oct. 2026
  • Predicting the costs How cities full of rational, educated, financially prudent people get sucked in, how we’re persuaded to put aside concerns about being stuck with a massive bill and just surrender to the spectacle.
    — Jack Dolan, Los Angeles Times, 29 Oct. 2026
Definition of rational
Adjective
  • Just before this case was to finally go to trial, Snapchat agreed to settle the Maynards’ lawsuit, as the couple alleged the social media platform is liable for the serious injury crash.
    — Doug Turnbull, AJC.com, 1 Nov. 2026
  • Whereas Dino saw it as a very serious major film, in the style of King Kong, something rather serious.
    — Brian Hiatt, Rolling Stone, 1 Nov. 2026
Definition of serious
Adjective
  • The story is told from the perspective of infant twins with divergent personalities—Rose is unguardedly buoyant, whereas Marigold is watchful and introspective.
    — Hannah Goldfield, New Yorker, 19 Oct. 2026
  • Thankfully, Brandon is one of Austen’s most introspective suitors, and Nordrum is not unlike the character in real life — thoughtful, gentle and a little self-effacing.
    — Lily Ford, HollywoodReporter, 15 Oct. 2026
Definition of introspective

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philosophers
philosophical
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Cite this Entry

“Philosophical.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/philosophical. Accessed 8 Nov. 2026.

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