mysticism

noun

mys·​ti·​cism ˈmi-stə-ˌsi-zəm 

1

: the experience of mystical union or direct communion with ultimate reality reported by mystics

2

: the belief that direct knowledge of God, spiritual truth, or ultimate reality can be attained through subjective experience (such as intuition or insight)

3

a

: vague speculation : a belief without sound basis

b

: a theory postulating the possibility of direct and intuitive acquisition of ineffable knowledge or power

Examples of mysticism in a Sentence

Jewish, Christian, and Islamic mysticism.

a student of Eastern mysticism

Recent Examples on the Web

Furthermore, there is often an undercurrent of mysticism surrounding the egg, with birth and death at the center—a dualism as true as it is sometimes disturbing. —Irene Coltrinari, Vogue, 25 Apr. 2025

Churchill’s politics emerge with the same craftiness as her mysticism, like a beam refracted around the corner of a dream-logic prism. —Sara Holdren, Vulture, 17 Apr. 2025

As a mother of three, Kathy is positivity with a dose of mischief, and a bit of mysticism to keep things interesting. —Donna Vickroy, Chicago Tribune, 11 Apr. 2025

From Deadpool writers Rhett Reese and Paul Wernick, and showrunner Michael Jonathan Smith (Cobra Kai), the show is a juvenile bloodbath with bits of mysticism, as Calypso genuinely has the power to grant wishes. —Christopher Cruz, Rolling Stone, 13 Feb. 2025

Word History

Etymology

mystic entry 1 + -ism

First Known Use

1724, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Rhymes for mysticism

• autism
• fascism
• racism
• sikhism
• statism
• sufism
• thomism
• tourism
• tropism
• abolitionism
• aldosteronism
• americanism

Kids Definition

mysticism

noun

mys·​ti·​cism ˈmis-tə-ˌsiz-əm 

1

: the experience of mystical union or direct communication with God

2

: the belief that direct knowledge of God or of spiritual truth can be achieved through deep meditation