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

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

From Barron's • Nov. 1, 2025

A pivotal town in the Civil War that hosted numerous major battles, Gettysburg is a quaint town with no shortage of legends, which lend life to its more metaphysical residents.

From MarketWatch • Oct. 27, 2025

The fact that confinement prevents one from observing an isolated quark or gluon might seem to make the whole notion of quarks and gluons as particles somewhat metaphysical.

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

Vocabulary lists containing metaphysical

The Lightning Thief

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The Importance of Being Earnest

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100 SAT Words Beginning with "M"

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