mystical

adjective

mys·​ti·​cal ˈmi-sti-kəl How to pronounce mystical (audio)
1
a
: having a spiritual meaning or reality that is neither apparent to the senses nor obvious to the intelligence
the mystical food of the sacrament
b
: involving or having the nature of an individual's direct subjective communion with God or ultimate reality
the mystical experience of the Inner Light
2
3
mystically adverb

Example Sentences

He has a mystical union with God. She says that the symbol has mystical powers. the deep, almost mystical quality of her poetry a mystical journey in search of God mystical knowledge of the spirit world
Recent Examples on the Web Virgo: Sedona, Arizona This spring is a great time to explore your spiritual side, Virgo, so visiting a mystical spot like Sedona, Arizona, guarantees a spring break well spent. Nina Kahn, Travel + Leisure, 12 Mar. 2023 Since its opening in 1966, the mystical draw of this Canadian town has persisted, even as Whistler has become increasingly popular — and expensive. Christie Fitzpatrick, Outside Online, 2 Feb. 2023 In his pursuit of the mystical Last Wish, which could restore his squandered lives, Puss encounters other menacing characters, ominous situations and violent fights (with swords, knives and other weapons). Common Sense Media, Washington Post, 23 Dec. 2022 To others, the crystal skulls have mystical psychic and healing powers. Eric Betz, Discover Magazine, 16 Dec. 2022 The Moon is in efficient Virgo, doing her best to clarify our lives, but her opposition to mystical Neptune could make that all but impossible. Chicago Tribune, 16 Dec. 2022 For the Fort Mojave and 11 other tribes, these mystical rocks are the site from which their ancestors emerged. Dan Michalski, Anchorage Daily News, 30 Nov. 2022 Mitchell's communicative Mercury is in passionate, poetic Scorpio, and there's a mystical Pisces moon to add even more water sign intuition and emotional depth. Holiday Mathis, Arkansas Online, 7 Nov. 2022 Explore the area to find Borrego’s Sky Art Sculptures, 130 ancient animals, serpents, and mystical creatures. Patricia Doherty, Travel + Leisure, 11 Apr. 2023 See More

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'mystical.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of mystical was in the 15th century

Dictionary Entries Near mystical

Cite this Entry

“Mystical.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/mystical. Accessed 31 May. 2023.

Kids Definition

mystical

adjective
mys·​ti·​cal ˈmis-ti-kəl How to pronounce mystical (audio)
1
: having a spiritual meaning or reality that is not immediately apparent to the senses or the mind
2
: of, relating to, or resulting from communication directly with God
mystically adverb
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!