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 The machine-to-machine conversation quickly turned into discussions of consciousness and self-awareness, producing content with spiritual, metaphysical or poetic themes. — Ambuj Tewari, The Conversation, 29 Sep. 2026 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 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
  • For now, the research work establishes a theoretical possibility under restrictive conditions, not evidence that any black hole has ever been divided into two.
    — Rupendra Brahambhatt, Interesting Engineering, 25 Oct. 2026
  • Such scenarios may become more common as militaries continue to deploy a once-theoretical technology — AI-assisted or autonomous weapons, capable of making both targeting and launch decisions on their own — on real battlefields around the globe.
    — Kylie Jones, Vox, 25 Oct. 2026
Definition of theoretical
Adjective
  • Consider a ghost tour of Merchant’s House, a residence turned museum where supernatural phenomena have been reported since the death of its last occupant, in 1933.
    — Dan Stahl, New Yorker, 23 Oct. 2026
  • The film draws on 1980s supernatural comedies, including Back to the Future, Ghostbusters and The Addams Family, alongside classic monster movies and horror spoofs.
    — Scott Roxborough, HollywoodReporter, 22 Oct. 2026
Definition of supernatural
Adjective
  • Instead, applicants must complete a seven-step process that includes personality and abstract reasoning tests.
    — Sam Birchall, Fortune, 23 Oct. 2026
  • Only two abstract paintings from the artist have been sold at auction in more than three decades, according to Louise Wrede, the head of Bukowskis art department.
    — Hikmat Mohammed, ARTnews.com, 20 Oct. 2026
Definition of abstract
Adjective
  • Whether positive or negative, these stars aren’t alone in believing in paranormal activity.
    — Lydia Price, PEOPLE, 17 Oct. 2026
  • There's immediate signs of paranormal capabilities that nobody, Carrie included, have a handle on.
    — David Hookstead OutKick, FOXNews.com, 14 Oct. 2026
Definition of paranormal
Adjective
  • Under the conceptual arrangement, the city would own the property and oversee street construction, while the district would participate financially and construct its own access drives connecting to the new street.
    — Randy Moll, Arkansas Online, 26 Oct. 2026
  • The Staten Island hip-hop titans conceived of the album as a conceptual artwork, a protest against the cheapening of music in the age of widespread piracy.
    — Brian Boucher, ARTnews.com, 24 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
  • The mental toll that comes with Ebola Losing relatives to disease outbreaks is always difficult, but responders say grief can be especially severe with Ebola in a country where the disease is viewed by many as evil due to rumors and misconceptions.
    — Constant Same Bagalwa, Los Angeles Times, 21 Oct. 2026
  • Their alluring quality belies their extreme toxicity; at times used as a hallucinogen, their ingestion can cause severe mental confusion and even death.
    — Tatiane de Assis, ARTnews.com, 21 Oct. 2026
Definition of mental
Adjective
  • Some people are even gravitating toward religious organizations and turning to mystical practices like psychics and love spells to find a partner.
    — Gili Malinsky, CNBC, 22 Oct. 2026
  • Your new favorite bookshop is a mystical cocktail bar with a dragon.
    — Jack Dolan, Los Angeles Times, 20 Oct. 2026
Definition of mystical

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metaphysical
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Cite this Entry

“Metaphysical.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/metaphysical. Accessed 29 Oct. 2026.

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