meta·phys·i·cal
ˌme-tə-ˈfi-zi-kəl 
1
: of or relating to metaphysics
metaphysical truth
metaphysical speculation
2
a
: of or relating to the transcendent (see transcendent sense 1) or to a reality beyond what is perceptible to the senses
fleeing from experience to a metaphysical realm—
John Dewey
John Dewey
b
: supernatural
fate and metaphysical aid doth seem to have thee crown'd—William Shakespeare
William Shakespeare3
: highly abstract or abstruse
4
often capitalized
: of or relating to poetry especially of the early 17th century that is highly intellectual and philosophical and marked by unconventional figurative language
metaphysical poets
: a metaphysical poet of the 17th century
Synonyms
Examples of metaphysical in a Sentence
Adjective
a metaphysical world of spirits
a work that deals with such metaphysical questions as the very nature of knowledge
Recent Examples on the Web
Erin Strout, Outside Online, 11 Nov. 2024
His fascination was with light, optics and the metaphysical, his layered geometric forms made with almost scientific precision.
—Nargess Banks, Forbes, 31 Oct. 2024
All Knull needs to free himself is the Codex, a metaphysical key created through perfect symbiosis, which Venom and Eddie have achieved.
—Richard Newby, Vulture, 25 Oct. 2024
Though scientific evidence for crystal healing is yet to be established, many spiritual practitioners believe in their metaphysical properties, which support emotional and spiritual transformation.
—Valerie Mesa, People.com, 25 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for metaphysical 
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.
Adjective
Perhaps that’s why Sedona attracts such a strong enclave of New Age spiritual devotees searching for metaphysical energy in the vortexes allegedly sprinkled throughout its buttes and spires.
—Erin Strout, Outside Online, 11 Nov. 2024
His fascination was with light, optics and the metaphysical, his layered geometric forms made with almost scientific precision.
—Nargess Banks, Forbes, 31 Oct. 2024
All Knull needs to free himself is the Codex, a metaphysical key created through perfect symbiosis, which Venom and Eddie have achieved.
—Richard Newby, Vulture, 25 Oct. 2024
Though scientific evidence for crystal healing is yet to be established, many spiritual practitioners believe in their metaphysical properties, which support emotional and spiritual transformation.
—Valerie Mesa, People.com, 25 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for metaphysical
Articles Related to metaphysical
Dictionary Entries Near metaphysical
Cite this Entry
“Metaphysical.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/metaphysical. Accessed 28 Nov. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
metaphysical
adjective
meta·phys·i·cal
ˌmet-ə-ˈfiz-i-kəl
1
: of, relating to, or based on metaphysics
3
: difficult to understand : abstract
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share