adj
Uncommon
mystical
MIHS-tih-kuhl
Mystical (adj) means relating to mysticism or spiritual experience beyond normal understanding. Example: “The ceremony had a mystical significance for the community.”
adj
1
Relating to mysticism or spiritual experience beyond normal understanding.
"The ceremony had a mystical significance for the community."
"She described a mystical experience during her meditation retreat."
2
Inspiring a sense of wonder, awe, or spiritual mystery.
"The northern lights created a mystical glow over the fjord."
How to use mystical
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishHaving a spiritual or magical quality that goes beyond ordinary explanation.
Common pairings
mystical experience
mystical powers
Vocabulary Flow
Build your vocabulary from words like mystical.
Vocabulary Flow serves the next word, and the next — meaning, pronunciation and an example each time. Practice at your level, or learn English in your own language.
Start vocabulary practice
Word forms
- Comparative
- more mystical
- Superlative
- most mystical
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The ceremony had a _____ significance for the community.
Synonyms
View more →Antonyms
Related words
Rhymes for mystical
See all rhymes for mystical →Frequently asked questions
What does “mystical” mean?
The word “mystical” means relating to mysticism or spiritual experience beyond normal understanding. In plain terms, having a spiritual or magical quality that goes beyond ordinary explanation.
How do you pronounce “mystical”?
“Mystical” is pronounced MIHS-tih-kuhl (/ˈmɪstɪkəl/ in IPA).
How do you use “mystical” in a sentence?
Here is “mystical” used in a sentence: “The ceremony had a mystical significance for the community.”
What part of speech is “mystical”?
“Mystical” is an adjective.
Is “mystical” a common word?
“Mystical” is an uncommon word in modern English.
How many meanings does “mystical” have?
“Mystical” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: relating to mysticism or spiritual experience beyond normal understanding.
What is the difference between mystical and mysterious?
"Mystical" specifically relates to mysticism or spiritual experience beyond normal understanding, often with religious or supernatural connotations, while "mysterious" more broadly describes anything puzzling, unexplained, or hard to understand without a necessarily spiritual dimension. A mysterious event may simply lack explanation, while a mystical event implies a spiritual or transcendent quality.
Can mystical describe something that isn't religious?
Yes, "mystical" can also describe something that inspires a sense of wonder, awe, or spiritual mystery even outside a formal religious context, such as a mystical sunset or a mystical atmosphere in a forest. This broader sense focuses on the feeling of awe rather than any specific belief system.
