1
as in occultism
the power to control natural forces through supernatural means
… an alchemy that changed metals rarer than gold into elements more baneful than lead.—
James Gleick
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2
as in magic
the power to do something impressive in a way that seems mysterious or supernatural
They marveled at the digital alchemy that turns lines of computer code into a beautiful user interface.
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Recent Examples of alchemy
There’s a rare kind of alchemy in the way Beyoncé moves through the world.
—Ashlee Marie Preston, Forbes, 3 Jan. 2025
This alchemy has fueled the rise of the wellness festival—events and destinations promising the keys to the elusive state of wellbeing.
—Caitlin Gunther, Condé Nast Traveler, 27 Dec. 2024
Shrinking, in particular, comes by its alchemy honestly.
—Daniel Fienberg, The Hollywood Reporter, 12 Dec. 2024
Pluto is a planet of transformation, secrets, and alchemy.
—Meghan Rose, Glamour, 1 Dec. 2024
See all Example Sentences for alchemy 
Ashlee Marie Preston, Forbes, 3 Jan. 2025
This alchemy has fueled the rise of the wellness festival—events and destinations promising the keys to the elusive state of wellbeing.
—Caitlin Gunther, Condé Nast Traveler, 27 Dec. 2024
Shrinking, in particular, comes by its alchemy honestly.
—Daniel Fienberg, The Hollywood Reporter, 12 Dec. 2024
Pluto is a planet of transformation, secrets, and alchemy.
—Meghan Rose, Glamour, 1 Dec. 2024
See all Example Sentences for alchemy
Recent Examples of Synonyms for alchemy
Noun
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The ‘Nosferatu’ Remake Pays Tribute To The Original Film’s Folkloric And Occultist Roots In Robert Eggers’ film, there are many references to occultism, folklore and religion.—
Dani Di Placido,
Forbes,
10 Jan. 2025
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In modern pop culture, vampires have strayed away from occultism and are often depicted through a Christian lens, being repelled by crucifixes and sunlight.—
Dani Di Placido,
Forbes,
10 Jan. 2025
Noun
-
Quantum magic The process begins by using regular computers to simplify a problem to be solved using quantum hardware.—
John Timmer,
Ars Technica,
24 Jan. 2025
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Vanishing: Remove Barriers To Focus On What Matters In magic, making something vanish entirely creates awe.—
Jimi Gibson,
Forbes,
24 Jan. 2025
Noun
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Unknown Armies This idiosyncratic modern magic game from Atlas Games plays like a gritty reboot of other games about sorcery.—
Rob Wieland,
Forbes,
9 Jan. 2025
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The fact that Desmond injures himself badly in pulling off this sorcery endears him to Corrino all the more, which of course puts Valya in a deeper fix.—
Scott Tobias,
Vulture,
8 Dec. 2024
Noun
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Franklin’s immediate ancestors grew up in a world where the fear of witchcraft led to tragic consequences.—
Michael Sheldrick,
Forbes,
18 Jan. 2025
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The leadership of folks like Book and the Trans Folk Witch is especially significant considering the long history of exclusion within witchcraft.—
Emma Cieslik,
Them,
1 Nov. 2024
Noun
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This lilting ballad transports us back to Mexico’s golden era of stately heartbreak songs, amplified by Becky’s astute production choices, which combine a retro melodic sensibility with the benefits of digital wizardry.—
Cerys Davies,
Los Angeles Times,
31 Dec. 2024
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Ellard created those vocal effects with old school analog wizardry.—
Aaron Gilbreath,
SPIN,
31 Dec. 2024
Thesaurus Entries Near alchemy
Cite this Entry
“Alchemy.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/alchemy. Accessed 1 Feb. 2025.
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