mysticism
noun
mys·ti·cism
ˈmi-stə-ˌsi-zəm 
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
Neptune, the planet of dreams, illusions and mysticism, is home in Pisces — transiting this zodiac sign since 2011 — amplifying these otherworldly qualities, while evoking a desire for escapism, spirituality and the pursuit of transcendence.
—
Valerie Mesa, People.com, 19 Mar. 2025
Players adopt alter egos, from warriors to sorcerers, who traverse worlds of mysticism and monsters.
—Eric Francisco, Rolling Stone, 1 Mar. 2025
The lines between faith, mysticism and therapy can be very, very blurry.
—Kwame Anthony Appiah, New York Times, 26 Feb. 2025
When Women Channeled the Dead to be Heard Spiritualism was one of the nineteenth-century's most successful religious innovations, a movement of individuals who yearned for a religion which united mysticism and science.
—JSTOR Daily, 15 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for mysticism
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Valerie Mesa, People.com, 19 Mar. 2025
Players adopt alter egos, from warriors to sorcerers, who traverse worlds of mysticism and monsters.
—Eric Francisco, Rolling Stone, 1 Mar. 2025
The lines between faith, mysticism and therapy can be very, very blurry.
—Kwame Anthony Appiah, New York Times, 26 Feb. 2025
When Women Channeled the Dead to be Heard Spiritualism was one of the nineteenth-century's most successful religious innovations, a movement of individuals who yearned for a religion which united mysticism and science.
—JSTOR Daily, 15 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for mysticism
Cite this Entry
“Mysticism.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/mysticism. Accessed 4 Apr. 2025.
Copy CitationKids 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
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share