alchemy

noun

Definition of alchemynext
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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Example Sentences

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.
Recent Examples of alchemy Embrace the alchemy with this special section Updated to add more information. — Bryan West, USA TODAY, 9 Feb. 2025 So, the alchemy wasn’t quite strong enough for a three-peat. — Vulture Staff, Vulture, 9 Feb. 2025 Turbocharged Targeting The Cambridge alchemy had three phases. — Corey G. Johnson, ProPublica, 5 Feb. 2025 Even mundane tasks have intricate steps to complete and mini-games, such as alchemy, blacksmithing, and even pickpocketing that flesh out their systems. — George Yang, Rolling Stone, 3 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for alchemy
Recent Examples of Synonyms for alchemy
  1. occultism
  2. magic
  3. sorcery
  4. witchcraft
  5. wizardry
Noun
  • 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
  • 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
Definition of occultism
Noun
  • Gabe continually made magic out of his various moles, while Dawn worked to weave African influences into her comfort food.
    — Randall Colburn, EW.com, 13 Mar. 2025
  • Zahn noted that this isn’t the first time that toymakers have tried to grab some of Lego’s magic and market share.
    — Joan Verdon, Forbes, 13 Mar. 2025
Definition of magic
Noun
  • The act was short and provided few details about what constituted witchcraft, sorcery or necromancy.
    — Sarah Kuta, Smithsonian Magazine, 10 Mar. 2025
  • Lawrence-Mathers not only shows the bonds between religion and sorcery but examines the sheer beauty of the manuscripts involved, from illumination to illustration.
    — Bethanne Patrick, Los Angeles Times, 28 Feb. 2025
Definition of sorcery
Noun
  • Although your great-grandmother would probably roll over in her grave at the notion of microwaving bacon, or would possibly accuse an air fryer of witchcraft and throw it in the river, these more modern methods have a bevy of fans.
    — Josh Miller, Southern Living, 15 Mar. 2025
  • There, a plaque remembers Anne Glover, an Irish servant who was falsely accused of witchcraft and executed.
    — Michele Herrmann, Forbes, 15 Mar. 2025
Definition of witchcraft
Noun
  • The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Ministry of Magic All the wizardry from Harry Potter and Fantastic Beasts come together in the Ministry of Magic.
    — Kathleen Wong, USA TODAY, 17 Mar. 2025
  • Hitchcock would have loved this beyond, given the sheer technical wizardry and skill of debuting 27-year-old Irish director Ronan Corrigan, who was plucked from a Black List-style program Bekmambetov founded called Screenlifers, designed to help emerging filmmakers in the format.
    — Pete Hammond, Deadline, 8 Mar. 2025
Definition of wizardry

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“Alchemy.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/alchemy. Accessed 26 Mar. 2025.

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More from Merriam-Webster on alchemy

Nglish: Translation of alchemy for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about alchemy

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