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.
He is best known for introducing the idea of dynamical similarity to cosmological systems — a mathematical realization of philosophical principles in physics. — Big Think, 28 Aug. 2026 Shankara advises that worshipping gods with names and stories through devotional rituals and sacred images (murtis) is an acceptable step for some people on the path toward a more philosophical understanding of an all-pervasive ultimate reality. — Encyclopedia Britannica, 28 Aug. 2026 Kelly’s version, however, becomes a philosophical infinity mirror. — Carlos Aguilar, Los Angeles Times, 28 Aug. 2026 There seems to be a deliberate effort here to make the show more fun without dumbing down its metaphysical and philosophical implications. — Scott Tobias, Vulture, 28 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
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Philosophical.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/philosophical. Accessed 1 Sep. 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

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