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 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
: a metaphysical poet of the 17th century
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
Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 28 May 2025
The Hormone Monsters were soon joined by a full menagerie of metaphysical beings, from the Shame Wizard (David Thewlis) to the Depression Kitty (Jean Smart) to the Anxiety Mosquito (Maria Bamford).
—Alison Herman, Variety, 24 May 2025
Others will explore metaphysical, religious and spiritual ideas.
—Georgia Nicols, Denver Post, 21 May 2025
One increasingly popular fusion in the metaphysical community is combining cannabis and tarot—a pairing that enhances introspection and intuitive insight.
—Matt Rozo, Mercury News, 20 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for metaphysical
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Adjective
Cage’s haunted delivery, contrasting powerfully with Knell’s anxious, terrified giggling, gives the scene a metaphysical kick.
—Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 28 May 2025
The Hormone Monsters were soon joined by a full menagerie of metaphysical beings, from the Shame Wizard (David Thewlis) to the Depression Kitty (Jean Smart) to the Anxiety Mosquito (Maria Bamford).
—Alison Herman, Variety, 24 May 2025
Others will explore metaphysical, religious and spiritual ideas.
—Georgia Nicols, Denver Post, 21 May 2025
One increasingly popular fusion in the metaphysical community is combining cannabis and tarot—a pairing that enhances introspection and intuitive insight.
—Matt Rozo, Mercury News, 20 May 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 4 Jun. 2025.
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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