metaphysical

adjective

ˌme-tə-ˈfi-zi-kəl How to pronounce metaphysical (audio)
Definition of metaphysicalnext
1
as in theoretical
dealing with or expressing a quality or idea a work that deals with such metaphysical questions as the very nature of knowledge

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in supernatural
of, relating to, or being part of a reality beyond the observable physical universe belief in a metaphysical world beyond the one in which we live

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 metaphysical Diaz, who tends to lean on history, underpins his metaphysical examinations with a discussion of social constructs. — Literary Hub, 29 Sep. 2026 Lee’s lines have the intimacy and metaphysical heft of prayer; their elegant recursions and repetitions call to mind the cycles of life, death, and rebirth. — The New Yorker, New Yorker, 21 Sep. 2026 Dürrenmatt is more focused on moral than metaphysical questions. — Theater Critic, Los Angeles Times, 16 Sep. 2026 More recently, Reid was a series regular on Prime Video’s metaphysical Western drama Outer Range opposite Josh Brolin and Imogen Poots. — Nellie Andreeva, Deadline, 11 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for metaphysical
Recent Examples of Synonyms for metaphysical
  1. theoretical
  2. supernatural
  3. abstract
  4. paranormal
  5. conceptual
  6. transcendental
  7. mental
  8. mystical
Adjective
  • The measurements showed relatively strong emission from the single crystal, consistent with theoretical predictions.
    — Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 13 Oct. 2026
  • Planning for a theoretical catastrophe can lead clients in unexpected directions.
    — Megan Buerger, Washington Post, 9 Oct. 2026
Definition of theoretical
Adjective
  • Surprise, surprise, the crime had a supernatural basis—and is linked to a number of others, all brutally depicted in reels of film left in his attic.
    — Eve Batey, Vanity Fair, 16 Oct. 2026
  • Rather than relying on supernatural creatures or elaborate mythology, Fears to Fathom builds suspense around seemingly ordinary situations that take increasingly terrifying turns.
    — Denise Petski, Deadline, 16 Oct. 2026
Definition of supernatural
Adjective
  • An abstract painting by Walker features in Kindred’s show, signalled by the artist’s former profession as a trainee dancer at the Royal Ballet School.
    — Hikmat Mohammed, ARTnews.com, 15 Oct. 2026
  • Newspapers and books also joined the dots between apparently disconnected events and items of gossip, helping readers to see their problems in abstract, systemic and political terms.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 14 Oct. 2026
Definition of abstract
Adjective
  • There's immediate signs of paranormal capabilities that nobody, Carrie included, have a handle on.
    — David Hookstead OutKick, FOXNews.com, 14 Oct. 2026
  • This comes after Radial in March bought the New Dominion catalog, comprising more than 600 hours of content in the true crime, investigation and paranormal genres.
    — Jesse Whittock, Deadline, 11 Oct. 2026
Definition of paranormal
Adjective
  • Then there’s the new electric Jaguar, a machine that inflamed the Internet and became the subject of global controversy when its conceptual precursor was revealed in late 2024.
    — Jason Barlow, Robb Report, 11 Oct. 2026
  • In the process, American comedy went from being a writer’s medium, conceptual and self-aware, to a more tonal form that rewarded actors’ screen presence and sense of timing.
    — Dan Brooks, New Yorker, 10 Oct. 2026
Definition of conceptual
Adjective
  • Call it transcendental, the character’s deepening sense of luminosity, the way his empathy heightens as his consciousness expands.
    — David L. Ulin, Los Angeles Times, 30 Sep. 2026
  • Users seeking transcendental sources of insight do not know or care how the oracle came up with its responses.
    — Ambuj Tewari, The Conversation, 29 Sep. 2026
Definition of transcendental
Adjective
  • Women naturally store less creatine than men, and during perimenopause and menopause, declining estrogen can take a toll on both muscle health and mental clarity.
    — Maggie Ryan, Flow Space, 15 Oct. 2026
  • Steeped in therapy culture and financial literacy content, young Americans are fluent in boundary-setting and open to frank conversations about money and mental load.
    — Grace Kelleher, Los Angeles Times, 15 Oct. 2026
Definition of mental
Adjective
  • Blair is set to shoot a supporting role in Schmoolie the Deathwatcher, a film described as a mystical coming-of-age romp directed by Bridget Stokes from a script by Theresa Burkhart Gallagher.
    — Chris Gardner, HollywoodReporter, 15 Oct. 2026
  • Aitzhanova launched her clothing label Al Basty to infuse avant-garde sensibilities into the local streetwear scene and to put Kazakh mystical culture on the global stage.
    — Yulia Denisyuk, Condé Nast Traveler, 14 Oct. 2026
Definition of mystical

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metaphysic
metaphysical
metaphysics
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Cite this Entry

“Metaphysical.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/metaphysical. Accessed 21 Oct. 2026.

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