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

A metaphysical reality thick with angels and sacraments.

From The Wall Street Journal • Nov. 6, 2025

“There’s some strange magnetic force that’s in us — you can talk about God or whatever you want to call it — but I think it’s a metaphysical process that’s in us.”

From Los Angeles Times • Nov. 3, 2025

It was a difficult position to take; Descartes was certainly mindful of the metaphysical problems of rejecting the vacuum entirely.

From "Zero: The Biography of a Dangerous Idea" by Charles Seife

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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