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.

The great contribution of theology to human civilization was not, primarily, a set of metaphysical claims about the existence of God.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 29, 2026

It’s 7:50 p.m. on a Tuesday as I enter the dimly lighted metaphysical supply store the Crooked Path.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 27, 2026

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

From Salon • Mar. 8, 2026

Any claim of further metaphysical elements is unnecessary froth at best or a damnable distraction at worst.

From The Wall Street Journal • Nov. 6, 2025

The foundations of modern science were, the philosopher Edwin Burtt had insisted back in 1914, metaphysical.

From "The Invention of Science" by David Wootton

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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