Definition of METAPHYSICAL
- ️Sun Feb 02 2025
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
b
: supernatural
fate and metaphysical aid doth seem to have thee crown'd—William Shakespeare
3
: 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
: 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
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.
But tension quickly develops between Elizabeth and this perky new creation (Margaret Qualley), sparking a metaphysical battle that takes a toll on both of them.
—Scott Tobias, New York Times, 23 Jan. 2025
Carlson’s images combust with metaphysical abundance.
—Jeremy Lybarger, ARTnews.com, 6 Jan. 2025
Though scientific evidence for crystal healing is yet to be established, many spiritual practitioners believe in their metaphysical properties, which are thought to support emotional and spiritual transformation.
—Valerie Mesa, People.com, 23 Nov. 2024
There is a powerful sense of Johnson reaching for new and bolder challenges in his ongoing dialogues with reality and metaphysical thinking, material and idea.
—Calvin Tomkins, The New Yorker, 9 Dec. 2024
See all Example Sentences for metaphysical 
Word History
Cite this Entry
“Metaphysical.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/metaphysical. Accessed 7 Feb. 2025.
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Last Updated: 2 Feb 2025 - Updated example sentences
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