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

The novelist Michael Cunningham spoke about mysticism. —Brittany Allen, Literary Hub, 19 Mar. 2026

The Oscar is a capper on Buckley’s pitch-perfect awards run for the nuclear grade tearjerker about grief, mysticism, and the power of motherhood. —Kate Erbland, IndieWire, 15 Mar. 2026

For a ‘misty’ mix of Arthurian legends and Pagan mysticism, a visit to Glastonbury won’t disappoint. —Nicole Kliest, Vogue, 11 Mar. 2026

At the 2026 Biennale, his pavilion will center on the Sufi concept of Fana, the annihilation of self to achieve a collective awakening, and will posit quantum physics as the contemporary counterpart to fifteenth-century Hurufi mysticism. —News Desk, Artforum, 2 Mar. 2026

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