metaphysical
1 of 2adjective
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
also : theoretical
metaphysical reasoning
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
metaphysically
ˌme-tə-ˈfi-zi-k(ə-)lē
adverb Metaphysical
2 of 2noun
: a metaphysical poet of the 17th century
Synonyms
Adjective
- abstract
- conceptual
- ideal
- ideational
- notional
- theoretical
- theoretic
See all Synonyms & Antonyms 
Example Sentences
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 Chris Richards, Washington Post, 12 Sep. 2022 At Grimm, the brushy work of Matthias Weischer complemented the softer painting of Caroline Walker, and the meditative nature of both meshed well with the metaphysical sculpture of Arturo Kameya. Brian P. Kelly, WSJ, 9 Sep. 2022 On his first walk with Chrissy through the metaphysical realm, Satan points out a figure by the side of the road. Angie Han, The Hollywood Reporter, 25 Aug. 2022 In addition to featuring candles that carry metaphysical properties based on the color and scent, the store offers smooth stones known as tumbles for around $2.50. John Benson, cleveland, 4 Aug. 2022 McKendry also makes a wise choice to give audiences a slight peek behind the metaphysical curtain to really land the stakes and make this something other than a very long table read (but in a bathroom). Jeff Ewing, Forbes, 24 July 2022 In her second collection, men seeking women from their pasts trip from one metaphysical plane to another—from dream world to waking life, from the harsh present to the glow of memory. Merve Emre, The New Yorker, 4 July 2022 Sea can be seen as sequel of sorts to 2020's The Glass Hotel, but Emily St. John Mandel's slim metaphysical novel stands on its own, too: a story like a tone poem, uncannily lovely and profound. Ew Staff, EW.com, 30 June 2022 The song’s lyrics, however, focus more on the physical than the metaphysical, with Kiedis making no effort to mask the track’s true intentions in mind-bending metaphors. Kat Bouza, Rolling Stone, 19 Aug. 2022 See More
Adjective
Don’t be afraid to wade into this metaphysical quicksand. Chris Richards, Washington Post, 12 Sep. 2022 At Grimm, the brushy work of Matthias Weischer complemented the softer painting of Caroline Walker, and the meditative nature of both meshed well with the metaphysical sculpture of Arturo Kameya. Brian P. Kelly, WSJ, 9 Sep. 2022 On his first walk with Chrissy through the metaphysical realm, Satan points out a figure by the side of the road. Angie Han, The Hollywood Reporter, 25 Aug. 2022 In addition to featuring candles that carry metaphysical properties based on the color and scent, the store offers smooth stones known as tumbles for around $2.50. John Benson, cleveland, 4 Aug. 2022 McKendry also makes a wise choice to give audiences a slight peek behind the metaphysical curtain to really land the stakes and make this something other than a very long table read (but in a bathroom). Jeff Ewing, Forbes, 24 July 2022 In her second collection, men seeking women from their pasts trip from one metaphysical plane to another—from dream world to waking life, from the harsh present to the glow of memory. Merve Emre, The New Yorker, 4 July 2022 Sea can be seen as sequel of sorts to 2020's The Glass Hotel, but Emily St. John Mandel's slim metaphysical novel stands on its own, too: a story like a tone poem, uncannily lovely and profound. Ew Staff, EW.com, 30 June 2022 The song’s lyrics, however, focus more on the physical than the metaphysical, with Kiedis making no effort to mask the track’s true intentions in mind-bending metaphors. Kat Bouza, Rolling Stone, 19 Aug. 2022 See More Word History
First Known Use
Adjective
15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1
Noun
1887, in the meaning defined above
metaphysical
adjective
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 Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
- theoretical
- abstract
- conceptual
- theoretic
- spiritual
- mental
- intellectual
- speculative
- ideational
- transcendental
- cosmic
- ideal
- notional
- hypothetical
- invisible
- cosmical
- nonphysical
- conjectural
- incorporeal
- immaterial
- nonmaterial
- intangible
- transcendent
- ethereal
- romantic
- insubstantial
- utopian
- unsubstantial
- imperceptible
- impalpable
- unreal
- visionary
- impractical
- insensible
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
- physical
- concrete
- tangible
- substantial
- material
- observable
- perceptible
- actual
- visible
- real
- discernible
- definite
- sensible
- appreciable
- distinct
- detectable
- noticeable
- nonabstract
- factual
- palpable
- defined
- discernable
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 Synonyms & Similar Words
- supernatural
- transcendental
- mystical
- paranormal
- spiritual
- mystic
- otherworldly
- psychic
- transcendent
- psychical
- celestial
- spiritualistic
- divine
- spiritistic
- unearthly
- preternatural
- occult
- numinous
- extrasensory
- supersensory
- supersensible
- heavenly
- unworldly
- ethereal
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
- natural
- earthly
- mundane