metaphysical

[met-uh-fiz-i-kuhl] / ˌmɛt əˈfɪz ɪ kəl /

ADJECTIVE

not physical; without physical presence

Synonyms

STRONGEST

abstract abstruse esoteric mystical philosophical spiritual supernatural theoretical

WEAK

bodiless deep difficult discarnate eternal fundamental high-flown ideal immaterial impalpable incorporeal insubstantial intangible intellectual jesuitic nonmaterial nonphysical numinous oversubtle preternatural profound recondite superhuman superior supermundane suprahuman supramundane supranatural transcendental unearthly unfleshly universal unphysical unreal unsubstantial

Antonyms

STRONGEST

concrete factual obvious physical real

WEAK

material objective solid substantial

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.

A final section uses a sort of metaphysical sleight of hand to blend the two eras, but once again something doesn’t quite connect.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 16, 2026

Where this story takes place — which metaphysical realm it’s actually set in — is skimmed over entirely.

From Salon • Mar. 8, 2026

The general thrust of the changes were to de-melodramatize Salieri’s action and to focus more attention on his guilt and metaphysical torment.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 18, 2026

Wellness has become the new luxury, but with a metaphysical twist.

From Barron's • Nov. 1, 2025

Like any other scientific theory, it may initially be put forward for aesthetic or metaphysical reasons, but the real test is whether it makes predictions that agree with observation.

From "A Brief History of Time: And Other Essays" by Stephen Hawking

Vocabulary lists containing metaphysical

The Lightning Thief

Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!

The Importance of Being Earnest

Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!

100 SAT Words Beginning with "M"

Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!