philosophical

adjective

variants also philosophic
Definition of philosophicalnext
as in analytic
being, given to, or marked by deep thinking especially about fundamental questions of the world A philosophical person by nature, she spent many hours in deep thought about the great mysteries of life.

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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 philosophical In June 2026 researchers used micro-CT scanning technology to read one such fragile scroll, without ever needing to unroll it, revealing a philosophical treatise on ethics. — Britannica Editors, Encyclopedia Britannica, 18 Aug. 2026 This is a documentary with wildly cinematic twists and a genuine curiosity about the group’s philosophical ideas. — Will Harris, Entertainment Weekly, 18 Aug. 2026 That is the biggest part of him conducting this interview on philosophical terms. — Agnes Callard, The New York Review of Books, 18 Aug. 2026 Macdonald said Guardiola is remarkably philosophical about the future. — Max Goldbart, Deadline, 17 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for philosophical
Recent Examples of Synonyms for philosophical
  1. analytic
  2. logical
  3. rational
  4. serious
  5. introspective
Adjective
  • The momentum in many criminal legal enterprises began hurtling toward digitally automating this analytic regime of knowledge.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 24 Aug. 2026
  • Just as people lost navigation and memorization skills with modern inventions, bankers risk losing analytical abilities if algorithms handle all the heavy lifting, Churchman said.
    — Hugh Son, CNBC, 24 Aug. 2026
Definition of analytic
Adjective
  • Von Neumann himself helped develop it as a potential remedy for some logical inconsistencies with Hilbert space that troubled him.
    — Quanta Magazine, Quanta Magazine, 26 Aug. 2026
  • There is no logical world in which Sanders can be a backup to a rookie quarterback next year in Cleveland.
    — Jason Lloyd, New York Times, 26 Aug. 2026
Definition of logical
Adjective
  • Often, the conspiracy theories around this case—like most conspiracy theories—are premised on rational questions.
    — Jessica Winter, New Yorker, 22 Aug. 2026
  • If a movie becomes available at home almost immediately, consumers have a rational reason to wait.
    — Cory Jacobson, HollywoodReporter, 21 Aug. 2026
Definition of rational
Adjective
  • Senate Bill 2 created a process to decertify officers for serious misconduct.
    — Chase Hunter, Mercury News, 25 Aug. 2026
  • Severe dehydration can reduce blood flow to the kidneys and, in serious cases, cause acute kidney injury.
    — Stephanie Brown, Verywell Health, 25 Aug. 2026
Definition of serious
Adjective
  • The music was imbued with grace and dignity in both its most introspective and uplifting moments.
    — George Varga, San Diego Union-Tribune, 23 Aug. 2026
  • One is fluorescent, maximalist, and celebratory; the other is somber, introspective, and stripped back.
    — Thalía Henao, Allure, 18 Aug. 2026
Definition of introspective

Browse Nearby Words

philosophers
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Cite this Entry

“Philosophical.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/philosophical. Accessed 29 Aug. 2026.

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