philosophical
adjective
phil·o·soph·i·cal
ˌfi-lə-ˈsä-fi-kəl 
also -ˈzä-
variants
or less commonly philosophic
ˌfi-lə-ˈsä-fik
also -ˈzä-
1
a
: of or relating to philosophers or philosophy
b
: based on philosophy
2
: characterized by the attitude of a philosopher
specifically
: calm or unflinching in the face of trouble, defeat, or loss
Examples of philosophical in a Sentence
They got into a philosophical debate about what it means for something to be “natural.”
He's trying to be philosophical about their decision since he knows he can't change it.
Recent Examples on the Web
This philosophical framework has practical implications.
—
Bernard Marr, Forbes.com, 19 Sep. 2025
Daoism, the ancient Chinese philosophical and religious tradition rooted in living in harmony with the cosmic Dao force, is imbued into its artistic pieces.
—Sofia Celeste, Footwear News, 19 Sep. 2025
These authors include religious practice and philosophical musings without the embarrassment of their Catholic literary contemporaries.
—Anna Bruno
september 19, Literary Hub, 19 Sep. 2025
The book introduces readers to the mysteries surrounding consciousness and explores the field’s central ideas from both a scientific and philosophical perspective.
—Kevin Dickinson, Big Think, 19 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for philosophical
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.
Bernard Marr, Forbes.com, 19 Sep. 2025
Daoism, the ancient Chinese philosophical and religious tradition rooted in living in harmony with the cosmic Dao force, is imbued into its artistic pieces.
—Sofia Celeste, Footwear News, 19 Sep. 2025
These authors include religious practice and philosophical musings without the embarrassment of their Catholic literary contemporaries.
—Anna Bruno
september 19, Literary Hub, 19 Sep. 2025
The book introduces readers to the mysteries surrounding consciousness and explores the field’s central ideas from both a scientific and philosophical perspective.
—Kevin Dickinson, Big Think, 19 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for philosophical
Cite this Entry
“Philosophical.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/philosophical. Accessed 23 Sep. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share