1
as in occultism
the power to control natural forces through supernatural means
… an alchemy that changed metals rarer than gold into elements more baneful than lead.—
James Gleick
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2
as in magic
the power to do something impressive in a way that seems mysterious or supernatural
They marveled at the digital alchemy that turns lines of computer code into a beautiful user interface.
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of alchemy
That alchemy is the sweet spot of our show.
—David Canfield, HollywoodReporter, 6 Mar. 2026
The difference between dancers executing steps expertly and accurately and dancers truly dancing depends on an alchemy of light, costumes, dancers, choreography, audience, and the whole spirit of the production.
—Jennifer Homans, New Yorker, 2 Mar. 2026
About the cross-cultural tomato-and-egg alchemy of shakshuka and the pancake playground carousel of a Dutch baby and a good espresso martini.
—Mike Sutter, San Antonio Express-News, 25 Feb. 2026
In luxuriant landscapes, Shinomiya’s trio (voiced by Riku Hagiwara, Kotone Furukawa and Miyu Irino) throw lines at each other with strong alchemy.
—Kevin Giraud, Variety, 18 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for alchemy
David Canfield, HollywoodReporter, 6 Mar. 2026
The difference between dancers executing steps expertly and accurately and dancers truly dancing depends on an alchemy of light, costumes, dancers, choreography, audience, and the whole spirit of the production.
—Jennifer Homans, New Yorker, 2 Mar. 2026
About the cross-cultural tomato-and-egg alchemy of shakshuka and the pancake playground carousel of a Dutch baby and a good espresso martini.
—Mike Sutter, San Antonio Express-News, 25 Feb. 2026
In luxuriant landscapes, Shinomiya’s trio (voiced by Riku Hagiwara, Kotone Furukawa and Miyu Irino) throw lines at each other with strong alchemy.
—Kevin Giraud, Variety, 18 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for alchemy
Recent Examples of Synonyms for alchemy
Noun
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The transformation of Tarocchi into a divinatory tool began in the late 18th century, driven by the rise of occultism in France.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
26 Feb. 2026
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The relationship between the Nazis and the occult wasn’t black or white, but according to historian Eric Kurlander, Nazism and various branches of occultism became noticeably intertwined almost immediately after the founding of the National Socialist German Workers Party in 1919.—
Angelica Frey,
JSTOR Daily,
8 Oct. 2025
Noun
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But the true magic was in the access.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
17 Mar. 2026
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The romance tropes are endless, and the magic is too.—
De Elizabeth,
Glamour,
17 Mar. 2026
Noun
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The sword-and-sorcery title grossed over $68M worldwide, coming to be appreciated as a cult classic, and spawned the sequel Conan the Destroyer (1984).—
Matt Grobar,
Deadline,
9 Mar. 2026
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The figure of an older woman working alone in a forest hovel inevitably brings some kind of sorcery to mind, but Hjorth’s earlier novels haven’t made too much of the suggestion.—
Elaine Blair,
Harpers Magazine,
24 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
She was regarded as the female Christ by her followers but accused of witchcraft by outsiders.—
Saman Shafiq,
USA Today,
9 Mar. 2026
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Pay multiple people from the crafts site Etsy to perform tarot readings, lift any existing curses and otherwise engage in witchcraft.—
Tyler Estep,
AJC.com,
4 Mar. 2026
Noun
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Doncic showcased his offensive wizardry, joining Kobe Bryant, Elgin Baylor and Jerry West as the only players in Lakers history to record at least 40 points in a season 10 times.—
Broderick Turner,
Los Angeles Times,
7 Mar. 2026
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His wizardry was displayed Sunday in fastidious massaging of volumes, sonorities and interplays, always with an undercurrent of urgency.—
Scott Cantrell,
Dallas Morning News,
3 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Alchemy.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/alchemy. Accessed 22 Mar. 2026.
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