transcendental

adjective

tran·scen·den·tal | \ ˌtran(t)-ˌsen-ˈden-tᵊl

, -sən-\

Definition of transcendental

1a : transcendent sense 1b

b : supernatural

c : abstruse, abstract

d : of or relating to transcendentalism

2a : incapable of being the root of an algebraic equation with rational coefficients π is a transcendental number

b : being, involving, or representing a function (such as sin x, log x, e^x) that cannot be expressed by a finite number of algebraic operations transcendental curves

3 in Kantian philosophy

a : of or relating to experience as determined by the mind's makeup

b : transcending experience but not human knowledge

4 : transcendent sense 1a

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Examples of transcendental in a Sentence

the concept of the soul as a transcendental entity that exists entirely apart from the body in his speeches he manifests a transcendental ability to inspire people from all points on the political spectrum

Recent Examples on the Web

So, for example, Sevilla’s Portuguese scout had spotted João Félix, that country’s latest transcendental teenage star, playing for Benfica last season. — Rory Smith, New York Times, "Sevilla and the Science of Soccer’s Summer Transfer Window," 2 Aug. 2019 Sitting on the terrace overlooking Dewey Lake with one of mixologist Lee Ann’s specialty bourbon cocktails and watching the sunset came close to being a transcendental experience. — Patti Nickell, chicagotribune.com, "Kentucky resort parks serve up authentic, regional eats along the state’s culinary trail," 25 July 2019 It was named Fruitlands, and its members espoused transcendental philosophy and ate no meat, believing that in a moral society, animals should be as free as humans. — Alexandra Hall, BostonGlobe.com, "Can you make a vegetarian meal on the grill? Let local chefs show you how," 17 July 2019 The setup might look simple, but a house of worship is a transcendental doctor’s office offering preventive care, support group therapy and a healing hope. — Ericka Andersen, WSJ, "Is God the Answer to the Suicide Epidemic?," 11 July 2019 But if there is, indeed, something transcendental happening with Strength in Numbers, the Warriors better tap back into it. — Dieter Kurtenbach, The Mercury News, "Kurtenbach: Why the Warriors’ injury woes shouldn’t be (too) surprising," 4 June 2019 The transcendental mystique of Mr. Obama’s persona runs through his aides’ memoirs like a leitmotif. — Barton Swaim, WSJ, "Politics: End of the Rainbow," 5 July 2018 Mama Bird Recordings in Portland, Oregon, has been positioning itself at the center of the transcendental hippie coffee shop scene by releasing album after album of dreamy, meditative folk. — Noah Berlatsky, Chicago Reader, "Folk musician Haley Heynderickx cultivates a different garden," 5 July 2018 These are not elements in the transcendental toolkit. — Washington Post, "Q&A: Schrader on ‘First Reformed,’ ‘Taxi Driver’ and God," 16 May 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'transcendental.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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transcendental

Definition of transcendental

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transcendental

Definition of transcendental

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Synonyms & Antonyms for transcendental

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