transcendent

adjective

tran·​scen·​dent tran(t)-ˈsen-dənt How to pronounce transcendent (audio)
1
a
: exceeding usual limits : surpassing
b
: extending or lying beyond the limits of ordinary experience
c
in Kantian philosophy : being beyond the limits of all possible experience and knowledge
2
: being beyond comprehension
3
: transcending the universe or material existence compare immanent sense 2
4
: universally applicable or significant
the antislavery movement … recognized the transcendent importance of libertyL. H. Tribe
transcendently adverb

Did you know?

The Latin verb scandere means "to climb", so transcend has the basic meaning of climbing so high that you cross some boundary. A transcendent experience is one that takes you out of yourself and convinces you of a larger life or existence; in this sense, it means something close to "spiritual". The American writers and thinkers known as the Transcendentalists, including Ralph Waldo Emerson and Henry David Thoreau, believed in the unity of all creation, the basic goodness of humankind, and the superiority of spiritual vision over mere logic. When we speak of the transcendent importance of an issue such as climate change, we may mean that everything else on earth actually depends on it.

Examples of transcendent in a Sentence

a firm belief in angels, demons, and other transcendent beings the star player's transcendent performance helped the team to a surprise victory
Recent Examples on the Web
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That is particularly true of Victor’s transcendent depiction of an unbreakable bond between the smart and funny New England college professor Agnes (Victor) and her bestie and former college roomie Lydie (Naomi Ackie). Randy Myers, Mercury News, 4 July 2025 Not all of them work for transcendent fixer-uppers Chip and Joanna Gaines. Michael Barnes, Austin American Statesman, 2 July 2025 Most notably in this physical transformation, Kidman’s role as Julia Edwards — the estranged adoptive mother of Robin Griffin’s (Elisabeth Moss) daughter, Mary — required her to wear another transcendent wig. Jihane Bousfiha, Vulture, 2 July 2025 Schifrin’s finest moments as a film composer — The Cincinnati Kid, Cool Hand Luke, Bullitt and The Fox, to name a few — are as transcendent as the works of Nino Rota, Ennio Morricone or Michel Legrand. Ernesto Lechner, HollywoodReporter, 30 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for transcendent

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Latin transcendent-, transcendens, present participle of transcendere

First Known Use

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

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

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Cite this Entry

“Transcendent.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/transcendent. Accessed 12 Jul. 2025.

Kids Definition

transcendent

adjective
tran·​scen·​dent tran(t)s-ˈen-dənt How to pronounce transcendent (audio)
1
: superior to or going beyond the usual : extraordinary
2
: going beyond the limits of ordinary experience

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