mystical

adjective

mys·​ti·​cal ˈmi-sti-kəl 

1

a

: having a spiritual meaning or reality that is neither apparent to the senses nor obvious to the intelligence

the mystical food of the sacrament

b

: involving or having the nature of an individual's direct subjective communion with God or ultimate reality

the mystical experience of the Inner Light

2

: mysterious, unintelligible

3

a

: mystic sense 2

b

: mystic sense 3

mystically

ˈmi-sti-k(ə-)lē 

adverb

Examples of mystical in a Sentence

He has a mystical union with God.

She says that the symbol has mystical powers.

the deep, almost mystical quality of her poetry

a mystical journey in search of God

mystical knowledge of the spirit world

Recent Examples on the Web

Despite the film’s observational visual approach, a guiding hand can often be felt moving the teens from place to place — a protectiveness that comes from the heart, but also quickly limits the film to a wispy, mystical register. —J. Kim Murphy, Variety, 9 May 2024

Yet the ragtag throng fell into mystical lockstep under Major General Andrew Jackson, who, in these parts, ran second in celebrity only to Jesus. —Carly Tagen-Dye, Peoplemag, 7 May 2024

Word History

Etymology

mystic entry 1 + -al entry 1

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Kids Definition

mystical

adjective

mys·​ti·​cal ˈmis-ti-kəl 

1

: having a spiritual meaning or reality that is not immediately apparent to the senses or the mind

2

: of, relating to, or resulting from communication directly with God

mystically

-k(ə-)lē 

adverb