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

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

From Salon • Mar. 8, 2026

The pair behind ‘Little Amélie or the Character of Rain’ discuss how they combined real-life inspiration and metaphysical subject matter in their ‘phantasmagoric’ new film.

From Los Angeles Times • Nov. 7, 2025

A metaphysical reality thick with angels and sacraments.

From The Wall Street Journal • Nov. 6, 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

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The Importance of Being Earnest

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100 SAT Words Beginning with "M"

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