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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Recent Examples of alchemy
Essay The Great Secret Creator Steven Price On Ellen Seligman’s editing alchemy.
—Max Ufberg, hazlitt.net, 4 Jan. 2025
Born less than three months apart to devout religious families in the industrial Midwest, Prince and Jackson probably had a lot to talk about when they weren’t holed up in their Xanadu-like mansions concocting their unique blends of soul-funk-disco alchemy.
—Jordan Runtagh, People.com, 15 Mar. 2025
Naturally, after having worked her creative alchemy, Anaïs noted that the customer’s gold will have been transmuted into a finished piece that looks utterly different from the original gold.
—Kyle Roderick, Forbes, 8 Mar. 2025
This wasn’t a lazy appropriation in the manner of the Police or the Rolling Stones, but something that drew on the spirit of the original to create its own surprising alchemy.
—Ian Penman, Harper's Magazine, 19 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for alchemy
Max Ufberg, hazlitt.net, 4 Jan. 2025
Born less than three months apart to devout religious families in the industrial Midwest, Prince and Jackson probably had a lot to talk about when they weren’t holed up in their Xanadu-like mansions concocting their unique blends of soul-funk-disco alchemy.
—Jordan Runtagh, People.com, 15 Mar. 2025
Naturally, after having worked her creative alchemy, Anaïs noted that the customer’s gold will have been transmuted into a finished piece that looks utterly different from the original gold.
—Kyle Roderick, Forbes, 8 Mar. 2025
This wasn’t a lazy appropriation in the manner of the Police or the Rolling Stones, but something that drew on the spirit of the original to create its own surprising alchemy.
—Ian Penman, Harper's Magazine, 19 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for alchemy
Recent Examples of Synonyms for alchemy
Noun
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The ‘Nosferatu’ Remake Pays Tribute To The Original Film’s Folkloric And Occultist Roots In Robert Eggers’ film, there are many references to occultism, folklore and religion.—
Dani Di Placido,
Forbes,
10 Jan. 2025
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In modern pop culture, vampires have strayed away from occultism and are often depicted through a Christian lens, being repelled by crucifixes and sunlight.—
Dani Di Placido,
Forbes,
10 Jan. 2025
Noun
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The magic of Magnolia’s Seed Bar doesn't stop there—every seed available for purchase can also be spotted around The Silos and even in Gaines’ garden.—
Sophia Beams,
Better Homes & Gardens,
5 Apr. 2025
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There are few experiences that encapsulate the magic of New York City quite like seeing a Broadway show.—
Judy Koutsky,
Forbes.com,
5 Apr. 2025
Noun
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Generating sophisticated charts or extracting hidden insights was a form of sorcery few dared to question.—
Florian Douetteau,
Forbes.com,
26 Mar. 2025
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The act was short and provided few details about what constituted witchcraft, sorcery or necromancy.—
Sarah Kuta,
Smithsonian Magazine,
10 Mar. 2025
Noun
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Continuing in the tradition of such Disney+ witchcraft staples as the Hocus Pocus movie franchise and Marvel’s Agatha All Along, Disney Branded Television has given a pilot order to Coven Academy (woking title), a single-camera supernatural dramedy for Disney Channel and Disney+.—
Nellie Andreeva,
Deadline,
11 Mar. 2025
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The two women and their supporters are seeking a pardon, an apology and a national memorial in honor of all those accused and convicted of witchcraft during the law’s 173-year reign.—
Sarah Kuta,
Smithsonian Magazine,
10 Mar. 2025
Noun
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Plus, Guardians’ wizardry deserves more attention Prospect Cam Smith makes Astros’ Opening Day roster after just 32 minor-league games NL West’s real race starts in Arizona.—
Jon Greenberg,
New York Times,
26 Mar. 2025
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Filming each episode required three weeks of intense rehearsal, technical wizardry, and intricate choreography that actors likened to a theatre production.—
Randall Colburn,
EW.com,
25 Mar. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Alchemy.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/alchemy. Accessed 16 Apr. 2025.
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