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 Metaphysical
: 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 of metaphysical
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
Taryn Shorr-McKee, Travel + Leisure, 28 Dec. 2025
In its more playful moments, the camera seems to cross the threshold between different time frames, or to drift in and out of a character’s consciousness with a mad metaphysical bravura.
—Justin Chang, New Yorker, 18 Dec. 2025
There’s a material epic or a physical adventure, and at the same time, the adventure has a metaphysical aspect.
—Nancy Tartaglione, Deadline, 12 Dec. 2025
Nestled deep within the twisting metaphysical narratives and international wandering of Lux is a quick trip back to home base.
—Craig Jenkins, Vulture, 2 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for metaphysical
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Adjective
Unlike the colorful, layered cliffs and domes Capitol Reef is known for, Glass Mountain feels almost metaphysical.
—Taryn Shorr-McKee, Travel + Leisure, 28 Dec. 2025
In its more playful moments, the camera seems to cross the threshold between different time frames, or to drift in and out of a character’s consciousness with a mad metaphysical bravura.
—Justin Chang, New Yorker, 18 Dec. 2025
There’s a material epic or a physical adventure, and at the same time, the adventure has a metaphysical aspect.
—Nancy Tartaglione, Deadline, 12 Dec. 2025
Nestled deep within the twisting metaphysical narratives and international wandering of Lux is a quick trip back to home base.
—Craig Jenkins, Vulture, 2 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for metaphysical
Cite this Entry
“Metaphysical.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/metaphysical. Accessed 3 Jan. 2026.
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
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