philosophical

adjective

phil·​o·​soph·​i·​cal ˌfi-lə-ˈsä-fi-kəl How to pronounce philosophical (audio)
also -ˈzä-
variants or less commonly philosophic
ˌfi-lə-ˈsä-fik How to pronounce philosophical (audio)
also -ˈzä-
Synonyms of philosophical
1
a
: of or relating to philosophers or philosophy
b
: based on philosophy
2
: characterized by the attitude of a philosopher
specifically : calm or unflinching in the face of trouble, defeat, or loss
philosophically
ˌfi-lə-ˈsä-fi-k(ə-)lē How to pronounce philosophical (audio)
also -ˈzä-
adverb

Examples of philosophical in a Sentence

They got into a philosophical debate about what it means for something to be “natural.” He's trying to be philosophical about their decision since he knows he can't change it.
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
This contestation takes place through philosophical debates, religious disputations, and public discussions, whether direct or indirect, open or clandestine. — Mansoor Moaddel, Foreign Affairs, 15 Oct. 2026 Ultron’s philosophical snarkiness and jaded, exasperated air from Age of Ultron carry over here. — Tasha Robinson, Vulture, 14 Oct. 2026 Lyagushonkova coined a highly original language of self-description, using some code-switching into Russian, swear words, miners’ slang, and philosophical terms with equal ease. — Literary Hub, 14 Oct. 2026 Nothing has an immersive and even philosophical or lyrical quality, and that is by design. — Georg Szalai, HollywoodReporter, 12 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for philosophical

Word History

First Known Use

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

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

Phrases Containing philosophical

Rhymes for philosophical

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Browse Nearby Words

philosophia prima
philosophical
philosophical analysis
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Cite this Entry

“Philosophical.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/philosophical. Accessed 20 Oct. 2026.

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Kids Definition

philosophical

adjective
philo·​soph·​i·​cal
ˌfil-ə-ˈsäf-i-kəl
variants also philosophic
-ik
1
: of, relating to, or based on philosophy
2
: characterized by the attitude of a philosopher
especially : calm and patient when faced with trouble
philosophically
-i-k(ə-)lē
adverb

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