SPIRITUAL Synonyms: 88 Similar and Opposite Words

spiritual 1 of 2

adjective

ˈspir-i-chə-wəl

Definition of spiritual

as in metaphysical

not composed of matter a staunch skeptic and realist, he scoffs at the very notion of ghosts and other spiritual entities

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in religious

of, relating to, or used in the practice or worship services of a religion spiritual songs that have been sung by generations of worshippers

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

spiritual

2 of 2

noun

as in hymn

a religious song sang a spiritual at the funeral

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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 spiritual

Adjective

Just lastly, your song makes fun of white tourists who travel to Africa and claim to experience some sort of spiritual awakening. — David MacK, CNN Money, 22 July 2026 As humanity learns more of the spiritual reality that Jesus taught, God’s messages of truth are heard, felt, and understood. — Suzanne Riedel, Christian Science Monitor, 22 July 2026

Noun

Let’s go back to the first century, when Jesus united the physical and the spiritual. — Stephanie McCrummen, The Atlantic, 18 May 2026 Stanley had a songbook full of these, some spirited, some spiritual. — Literary Hub, 28 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for spiritual

Recent Examples of Synonyms for spiritual

Adjective

Varsha’s mysterious memories are apparently linked to a much larger set of crises, and in order to make sense of these connections, both Dinu and Ghosh will have to dispense with the material and tread into the metaphysical.

— Robert Rubsam, The Atlantic, 20 July 2026
For me, the metaphysical questions always come first, and the story emerges organically from the questions.

— Deborah Treisman, New Yorker, 19 July 2026

Definition of metaphysical

Adjective

Shinto was formally separated from the state after World War II, but its traditions still reflect a broader history of religious and cultural influences.

— ABC News, ABC News, 19 July 2026
Otero Alcántara has a long history of incorporating the religious symbols into his artwork.

— Devoun Cetoute, Miami Herald, 19 July 2026

Definition of religious

Noun

One of six children, Tyler grew up idolizing Tina Turner and Janis Joplin and singing hymns in the Anglican church her parents attended.

— Adela Suliman, NBC news, 9 July 2026
On this particular afternoon, worship began with an opening hymn that Brown led from the back, a one-woman choir.

— Andrew Carter, Chicago Tribune, 5 July 2026

Definition of hymn

Adjective

And while Argentina’s culture of talk therapy may turn psychic suffering into words on the therapist’s couch, fans may be reassured that the pros are trained to translate their nerves into strategy on the pitch.

— Caitlin Stephen Hu, CNN Money, 18 July 2026
While Fort Lauderdale Police previously used a psychic in Sophie’s case, the department has not worked with Taborn before on any case, Liening said.

— Angie DiMichele, Sun Sentinel, 18 July 2026

Definition of psychic

Adjective

As a voracious reader, few places are as sacred to me as in bed at night with my book light and my book and a good bookmark is also a must-have.

— Caroline Reilly, Forbes.com, 22 July 2026
But the Deadheads also evince an honest yearning for something that’s tribal, primitive, sacred, ancient, shamanic, ecstatic.

— Owen Gleiberman, Variety, 21 July 2026

Definition of sacred

Noun

For years, the track has been an unlikely fixture at sporting events, and unlike many anthems associated with one team, player or league, Diamond’s classic has become popular across multiple sports and countries.

— Hugh McIntyre, Forbes.com, 22 July 2026
From the fragmented breakup anthems to the formulaic moodboard fodder, nothing on Steve Lacy’s new album seems to come naturally.

— Alphonse Pierre, Pitchfork, 22 July 2026

Definition of anthem

Adjective

Whitehead’s noirish début tells the story of a Black elevator inspector with supernatural gifts, who is framed for an accident amid a sectarian struggle to define the cities of the future.

— Julian Lucas, New Yorker, 22 July 2026
The Blumhouse production sees Chastain portray Ursula, a wife and mother, as well as a supernatural entity that haunts her family’s home.

— Hannah Malach, InStyle, 21 July 2026

Definition of supernatural

Noun

Take The Music Lesson, a study of a young woman playing the virginal, closely watched by a gentleman, which Graham-Dixon reads as a depiction of Collegiants chastely performing and singing psalms.

— Clare Bucknell, Harpers Magazine, 23 June 2026
Over the course of Gregory Orr’s long career, his poems have become increasingly incantatory, more and more like chants or psalms, repeating, reformulating, reaching for the edges of the same rich metaphors.

— Craig Morgan Teicher, Literary Hub, 1 June 2026

Definition of psalm

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“Spiritual.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/spiritual. Accessed 25 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of spiritual

adjective

noun

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