SPIRITUAL Synonyms: 88 Similar and Opposite Words

spiritual 1 of 2

adjective

ˈspir-i-chə-wəl

Definition of spiritual

as in metaphysical

not composed of matter a staunch skeptic and realist, he scoffs at the very notion of ghosts and other spiritual entities

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in religious

of, relating to, or used in the practice or worship services of a religion spiritual songs that have been sung by generations of worshippers

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

spiritual

2 of 2

noun

as in hymn

a religious song sang a spiritual at the funeral

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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 spiritual

Adjective

There’s spiritual tidying to do, too; the trio help their subjects find lightness and acceptance in the face of divorce, illness, aging, and even death. — Sara Netzley, Entertainment Weekly, 2 July 2026 More than a spiritual soundbite, this idea is rooted in the very laws of the universe. — Sharon Daniels, Forbes.com, 2 July 2026

Noun

Stanley had a songbook full of these, some spirited, some spiritual. — Literary Hub, 28 Apr. 2026 This vibrant, free afternoon concert will feature a rich selection of beloved American choral favorites, including rousing gospel selections, powerful spirituals, and timeless classics that resonate across generations, a news release stated. — News Release, San Diego Union-Tribune, 23 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for spiritual

Recent Examples of Synonyms for spiritual

Adjective

This spiritual, metaphysical, and downright weird show is ostensibly about a nun’s quest to find and destroy the Holy Grail, which will result in the deactivation of the powerful, pervasive AI that gives the series its name.

— Sara Netzley, Entertainment Weekly, 2 July 2026
In both the real and metaphysical locations of the show, the backgrounds are all painted by hand, something which was pointed out took up a lot of time due to the number of paintings in the show and due to the number of montages.

— Kambole Campbell, Variety, 25 June 2026

Definition of metaphysical

Adjective

Having witnessed centuries of religious warfare in Europe, when millions were killed for their beliefs, the framers took pains to make sure nothing like that would happen here.

— Kenneth Seeskin, Chicago Tribune, 5 July 2026
Supporters argue that the gatherings represent a form of devotion untethered from rigid rituals and the gatekeeping normally associated with temples or religious processions.

— Ayushi Shah, CNN Money, 4 July 2026

Definition of religious

Noun

On this particular afternoon, worship began with an opening hymn that Brown led from the back, a one-woman choir.

— Andrew Carter, Chicago Tribune, 5 July 2026
Many American poets have written hymns and howls, declarations and outcries for this country that brims with so many people, and so many hopes, from all over the world.

— Scott Simon, NPR, 4 July 2026

Definition of hymn

Adjective

But hardcore fans also know her Riley Thorn series, which follows a reluctant psychic and her handsome private investigator boyfriend.

— Clare Mulroy, USA Today, 26 June 2026
The opening date was determined by Pham’s family thây bói (psychic or fortune teller), and the duo plans to stick to it.

— Kate Kassin, Bon Appetit Magazine, 22 June 2026

Definition of psychic

Noun

That came soon after the IOC recommended allowing Russian youth teams to compete with the country's flag and anthem.

— ABC News, ABC News, 8 July 2026
The World Cup doubles as a beauty pageant for each country’s fans, who strut around, sing their anthems, and try their best to look hot, happy, and, above all, passionate.

— Jay Caspian Kang, New Yorker, 7 July 2026

Definition of anthem

Adjective

Through Latin and early Christian usage, the word took on its modern sense of an evil supernatural spirit.

— Erik Kain, Forbes.com, 8 July 2026
In that sense, the ultraviolence is reframed not as spectacle but as a kind of ancient supernatural force compelled to intrude upon ordinary human grief.

— Alison Foreman, IndieWire, 8 July 2026

Definition of supernatural

Noun

Take The Music Lesson, a study of a young woman playing the virginal, closely watched by a gentleman, which Graham-Dixon reads as a depiction of Collegiants chastely performing and singing psalms.

— Clare Bucknell, Harpers Magazine, 23 June 2026
Over the course of Gregory Orr’s long career, his poems have become increasingly incantatory, more and more like chants or psalms, repeating, reformulating, reaching for the edges of the same rich metaphors.

— Craig Morgan Teicher, Literary Hub, 1 June 2026

Definition of psalm

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Style

“Spiritual.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/spiritual. Accessed 10 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of spiritual

adjective

noun

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