philosophical

adjective

phil·​o·​soph·​i·​cal ˌfi-lə-ˈsä-fi-kəl How to pronounce philosophical (audio)
also -ˈzä-
variants or less commonly philosophic
ˌfi-lə-ˈsä-fik How to pronounce philosophical (audio)
also -ˈzä-
Synonyms of philosophical
1
a
: of or relating to philosophers or philosophy
b
: based on philosophy
2
: characterized by the attitude of a philosopher
specifically : calm or unflinching in the face of trouble, defeat, or loss
philosophically
ˌfi-lə-ˈsä-fi-k(ə-)lē How to pronounce philosophical (audio)
also -ˈzä-
adverb

Examples of philosophical in a Sentence

They got into a philosophical debate about what it means for something to be “natural.” He's trying to be philosophical about their decision since he knows he can't change it.
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
But in this blue collar, factory-like environment, there was no blurred line, no grey area, no philosophical question to fret over. — Caroline Blair, PEOPLE, 8 Aug. 2026 That’s an ambitious philosophical proposition in an era increasingly dominated by information, algorithms and artificial intelligence. — Y-Jean Mun-Delsalle, Forbes.com, 7 Aug. 2026 Since its inception, two philosophical concepts have marked the brand’s savoir-faire. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 4 Aug. 2026 October 23 – November 21 A practical problem does not need a philosophical debate. — Tarot.com, The Orlando Sentinel, 4 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for philosophical

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of philosophical was in the 15th century

Phrases Containing philosophical

Rhymes for philosophical

See All Rhymes for philosophical

Browse Nearby Words

philosophia prima
philosophical
philosophical analysis
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Cite this Entry

“Philosophical.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/philosophical. Accessed 14 Aug. 2026.

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Kids Definition

philosophical

adjective
philo·​soph·​i·​cal
ˌfil-ə-ˈsäf-i-kəl
variants also philosophic
-ik
1
: of, relating to, or based on philosophy
2
: characterized by the attitude of a philosopher
especially : calm and patient when faced with trouble
philosophically
-i-k(ə-)lē
adverb

More from Merriam-Webster on philosophical

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for philosophical

Nglish: Translation of philosophical for Spanish Speakers

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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