messianic

adjective

mes·​si·​an·​ic ˌme-sē-ˈa-nik 

1

: of or relating to a messiah

this messianic kingdom

2

: marked by idealism and an aggressive crusading spirit

messianic zeal

on a messianic mission

Examples of messianic in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Bitcoin ETFs—long hailed as a kind of messianic vehicle for bringing the mainstream onboard the crypto train—are finally out in the world. —Will Gottsegen, The Atlantic, 28 Mar. 2024

Others see messianic potential in the new life-forms, assuming that their greater technological capabilities must be accompanied by greater enlightenment. —Inkoo Kang, The New Yorker, 18 Mar. 2024

All this is evidence of Allen’s messianic relationship with—and understanding of—fashion with a capital-F. —Daniel Rodgers, Glamour, 7 Mar. 2024

Director Denis Villeneuve has maintained that his plan was to adapt author Frank Herbert’s 1965 sci-fi novel Dune, the story of Paul Atreides’ journey to the desert planet Arrakis and a messianic destiny, into two big-screen installments. —Jack Smart, Peoplemag, 3 Mar. 2024

Dune: Part Two sees that potential realized, transforming Paul from a stranger in a strange land into its messianic ruler. —David Sims, The Atlantic, 28 Feb. 2024

Her internal conflict is also a change from the book Dune, where Chani is a steadfast supporter of her messianic lover. —Christian Holub, EW.com, 21 Feb. 2024

The actor captures Marley’s messianic lilt, his playful way of keeping his real agenda private. —Owen Gleiberman, Variety, 8 Feb. 2024

Anyone familiar with the original Hebrew verse understands that Netanyahu here was not making a messianic pronouncement, but rather a play on words. —Yair Rosenberg, The Atlantic, 21 Jan. 2024

Word History

Etymology

probably from French messianique, from messianisme

First Known Use

circa 1794, in the meaning defined at sense 1