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

Always self-effacing, Rabbi Leigh Lerner was spiritual head of a major Montreal synagogue and then continued with a congregation in Milan, Italy, learning Italian along the way, until his demise recently. — Lois K. Solomon, Sun Sentinel, 2 Nov. 2026 After the war, any proof of God’s existence had to be found in his absence, in the material and spiritual devastation people were living with. — Kristian Vistrup Madsen, Artforum, 1 Nov. 2026

Noun

Over his career, Sykes performed in venues around the world and across genres — opera, gospel, spirituals, show tunes, folk and pop — working with figures including Renée Fleming, Terence Blanchard, Carlos Santana, Julie Andrews and Brian Wilson. — Jazmin Alvarado, Los Angeles Times, 23 July 2026 The historic church was recently destroyed by fire, but just like these spirituals, melodies of strength are unwavering and inspiring. — Ukee Washington, CBS News, 19 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for spiritual

Recent Examples of Synonyms for spiritual

Adjective

In both films, everything comes in threes, the incessant crosscutting is accorded a flashy metaphysical weight, and time itself is manipulated, distorted, and rearranged to the point of meaninglessness.

— Justin Chang, New Yorker, 3 Nov. 2026
Conference-goers are here to sample and peruse the shifting practices of the nation’s market for metaphysical beliefs.

— Sam Kestenbaum, Harpers Magazine, 27 Oct. 2026

Definition of metaphysical

Adjective

Three factions -- all aligned with Netanyahu's religious-nationalist base -- recommended Netanyahu be given a chance to form a coalition government, while a fourth -- led by a former Netanyahu ally turned rival -- recommended Eisenkot.

— Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 5 Nov. 2026
She was drawn to the historical associations of religious persecution.

— Anna Cafolla, Vogue, 5 Nov. 2026

Definition of religious

Noun

Nothing more than a reminder that the quotidian world around us can be a hymn all by itself.

— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 2 Nov. 2026
At the conclusion of an English-language service interspersed with hymns in Arabic, the priest introduced Salazar, who stood up in the front row, smiling and waving.

— Daniel Castro, New Yorker, 17 Oct. 2026

Definition of hymn

Adjective

Woolf treats this psychic drama seriously and with great generosity and tenderness.

— Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 27 Oct. 2026
These onetime kid actors have spoken movingly about facing isolation, external pressure, intense public scrutiny, and the psychic pain of constant rejection on the audition circuit.

— Hillary Busis, Vanity Fair, 27 Oct. 2026

Definition of psychic

Adjective

Joe cut his teeth by working his way up the ranks; also maybe by hanging around a lot when dad Jack Buck broadcast for years from most of the sacred citadels of sports.

— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 2 Nov. 2026
In Congress, Grijalva is preparing legislation to void existing waivers that have allowed DHS to disregard laws designed to protect tribal sovereignty, sacred sites and environmentally sensitive lands.

— Ryan Devereaux, ProPublica, 2 Nov. 2026

Definition of sacred

Noun

Related Stories Olivia Rodrigo has become one of music’s most iconic voices, and turns heartbreak and growing pains into generational anthems.

— Jem Aswad, Variety, 2 Nov. 2026
Two weeks after OutKick first asked why the teams were leaving the floor for the anthem, the WNBA, NBA and both teams’ front offices still have not answered our questions.

— Dan Zaksheske OutKick, FOXNews.com, 1 Nov. 2026

Definition of anthem

Adjective

The other Vision is a supernatural manifestation, brought to life via Wanda Maximoff’s sorcery; he is known as Hex Vision.

— Jeff Spry, Space.com, 2 Nov. 2026
And yet, ghost stories will often have women as supernatural witches, coming back to curse people or cause trouble.

— Joseph States, Chicago Tribune, 29 Oct. 2026

Definition of supernatural

Noun

During a recent morning visit, large groups of Jewish worshippers circumambulated the holy site under close police guard, singing psalms at full volume and openly praying.

— Ilan Ben Zion, Christian Science Monitor, 14 Oct. 2026
Psalm 23 is numbered Psalm 22 in the Greek Septuagint and Latin Vulgate because of differences in how the psalms are divided and numbered.

— Frannie Comstock, Encyclopedia Britannica, 26 Aug. 2026

Definition of psalm

Cite this Entry

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“Spiritual.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/spiritual. Accessed 9 Nov. 2026.

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Synonyms of spiritual

adjective

noun

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