ontological

[on-tl-oj-i-kuhl] / ˌɒn tlˈɒdʒ ɪ kəl /

ADJECTIVE

pertaining to the nature of existence

Synonyms

STRONGEST

existential metaphysical phenomenological

STRONG

philosophical

WEAK

supernatural transcendental

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

But the ontological distinction was lost at the start: events don't exist, they happen.

From Science Daily • Nov. 2, 2025

Whatever Ramona wanted in the car, she’s experiencing ontological buyer’s remorse in the now.

From Salon • Mar. 31, 2025

I think that’s important, as an ontological model of cinema.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 19, 2024

Berners-Lee wasn’t suggesting that ontological certitude would arise from the web mob’s ranking of websites that distributed the most accurate information.

From Slate • Dec. 3, 2022

Ontological Truth a Transcendental Attribute of Reality.—From what has been said it will be apparent that ontological truth is a transcendental attribute of reality.

From Ontology or the Theory of Being by Coffey, Peter