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 film weds Jewish mysticism and slow-creeping horror with all the anxiety of new lesbian love. —Samantha Allen, Them., 7 Oct. 2025

That the narrative doesn’t veer into empty mysticism, dream sequences or flashbacks benefits the film. —Carlos Aguilar, Variety, 2 Oct. 2025

Through some mysticism and timey-wimey shenanigans, the priestess and her eight companions manage to fight another day, but Towa becomes a timeline-jumping specter in the process. —Christopher Cruz, Rolling Stone, 18 Sep. 2025

To suggest otherwise amounts to Keynesian mysticism whereby an effect of production (money) can be forced into circulation by an entity that produces nothing. —John Tamny, Forbes.com, 14 Sep. 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