mysticism
noun
mys·ti·cism
ˈmi-stə-ˌsi-zəm 
2
: the belief that direct knowledge of God, spiritual truth, or ultimate reality can be attained through subjective experience (such as intuition or insight)
3
a
: vague speculation : a belief without sound basis
b
: a theory postulating the possibility of direct and intuitive acquisition of ineffable knowledge or power
Examples of mysticism in a Sentence
Jewish, Christian, and Islamic mysticism.
a student of Eastern mysticism
Recent Examples on the Web
There is Persian mythology and mysticism in the film, and ruins in Persian poetry are very significant places.
—
Georg Szalai, HollywoodReporter, 14 May 2026
Gothic literature flourished, mysticism captivated the collective imagination and artists became obsessed with emotion, dreams and transcendence.
—Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 7 May 2026
The yarns of Joe Turner interweave gradually, everyday chit-chat, bargaining, and flirtation interlocking over time with threads of mysticism — both the ghosts of a brutal history and the ancestral spirits that stand protective and defiant like a phalanx of angels with shining swords.
—Sara Holdren, Vulture, 26 Apr. 2026
Brief flashbacks to Mary’s earlier concerts are merely informational; another flashback, to a séance at which Mary yielded to self-harming mysticism, is far more consequential, leading to violence in Sam’s studio.
—Vince Aletti, New Yorker, 17 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for mysticism
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Georg Szalai, HollywoodReporter, 14 May 2026
Gothic literature flourished, mysticism captivated the collective imagination and artists became obsessed with emotion, dreams and transcendence.
—Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 7 May 2026
The yarns of Joe Turner interweave gradually, everyday chit-chat, bargaining, and flirtation interlocking over time with threads of mysticism — both the ghosts of a brutal history and the ancestral spirits that stand protective and defiant like a phalanx of angels with shining swords.
—Sara Holdren, Vulture, 26 Apr. 2026
Brief flashbacks to Mary’s earlier concerts are merely informational; another flashback, to a séance at which Mary yielded to self-harming mysticism, is far more consequential, leading to violence in Sam’s studio.
—Vince Aletti, New Yorker, 17 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for mysticism
Cite this Entry
“Mysticism.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/mysticism. Accessed 22 May. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
mysticism
noun
mys·ti·cism
ˈmis-tə-ˌsiz-əm
1
: the experience of mystical union or direct communication with God
2
: the belief that direct knowledge of God or of spiritual truth can be achieved through deep meditation
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