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 Here, too, there were echoes of Keegan’s blissful early days, when queues snaked outside the stadium hours before kick-off and every victory felt like alchemy. — George Caulkin, New York Times, 30 July 2026 Since his debut album Pony was released in 2019, Peck has always trafficked in a perfect alchemy of mystery and intimacy. — Marissa R. Moss, Rolling Stone, 24 July 2026 Jack introduces Poppy to the alchemy of turning ingredients into a dish, and as her love for cooking and confidence in the kitchen grows, so do her feelings for Jack. — Grace Reilly, PEOPLE, 20 July 2026 Daoist ideas of alchemy play an important role in this relationship. — Michael Naparstek, The Conversation, 6 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for alchemy
Recent Examples of Synonyms for alchemy
  1. occultism
  2. magic
  3. sorcery
  4. witchcraft
  5. wizardry
Noun
  • In one example, some teachers are let into the fictional realm of Agartha, which is a key setting in neo-Nazi occultism where everyone is white and blond.
    — Owen Carry, Wired News, 11 Mar. 2026
  • The transformation of Tarocchi into a divinatory tool began in the late 18th century, driven by the rise of occultism in France.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 26 Feb. 2026
Definition of occultism
Noun
  • For The Times) Curating Knott’s magic show will be Rudy Coby, a resident magician at the Magic Castle.
    — Todd Martens, Los Angeles Times, 25 Aug. 2026
  • At the same time, each new iteration of the Muppet Show is a chance to introduce a new generation to the magic of the Muppets.
    — Mya Copeland, Variety, 25 Aug. 2026
Definition of magic
Noun
  • His brother-in-law had been accused of sorcery, and his home had been set on fire.
    — Rachel Aviv, New Yorker, 17 Aug. 2026
  • With ancient Greek tale The Odyssey still slashing its way to peak box office, the sword and sorcery age remains a potent genre for Hollywood.
    — Borys Kit, HollywoodReporter, 13 Aug. 2026
Definition of sorcery
Noun
  • Eclipses, which used to be thought of as magic or even witchcraft, depending on what suited them at the moment, are now understood to be just a function of the Earth's alignment with the sun and moon.
    — Ron Smiley, CBS News, 27 Aug. 2026
  • The roughly 25-acre farm is also home to a reproduction of the Salem Village Meeting House, the site of many early hearings about the Salem witchcraft hysteria.
    — Nicholas DeRenzo, Travel + Leisure, 25 Aug. 2026
Definition of witchcraft
Noun
  • The specs are nearly identical year over year, which means the company is relying on its mathematical wizardry rather than advances in sensors and optics to derive results from its cameras.
    — Eric Zeman, PC Magazine, 24 Aug. 2026
  • By some architectural wizardry of concrete and glass the pictures inside stand to attention, as if they, too, are suspended in time and space—a collection that faces in one direction, in orderly fashion, like the Terracotta Army.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 17 July 2026
Definition of wizardry

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Cite this Entry

“Alchemy.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/alchemy. Accessed 2 Sep. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on alchemy

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about alchemy

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