numinous

adjective

ˈnü-mə-nəs How to pronounce numinous (audio)
Definition of numinousnext
as in magic
having seemingly supernatural qualities or powers some have sensed a numinous energy in the landscape around Sedona, Arizona

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 numinous De Hooch’s 1663 painting delivers exactly as little drama and numinous transcendence as its title promises. — Susan Tallman, The Atlantic, 11 July 2026 In an old-growth forest, the beauty of old trees intertwines with the bodies of those trying to save them, creating something numinous. — Robert Moor, New Yorker, 2 Mar. 2026 Though also suspended, Bo Bardi’s building generously offers a sheltering agora for all people on the street rather than a numinous temple for rarefied art audiences. — Michaëla De Lacaze Mohrmann, Artforum, 1 Jan. 2026 In this numinous world, visitors come by for death bed reckonings, and the CEO will have many scores to settle. — Emma Alpern, Vulture, 30 Dec. 2025 See All Example Sentences for numinous
Recent Examples of Synonyms for numinous
  1. magic
  2. mystic
  3. magical
Adjective
  • There’s no magic equation for solving the political division in this country.
    — Pam Kragen, San Diego Union-Tribune, 30 Aug. 2026
  • In doing so, the Rays, per team calculations, reduced their magic number to clinch a playoff spot to at least 12, pending later games.
    — Marc Topkin, The Orlando Sentinel, 30 Aug. 2026
Definition of magic
Adjective
  • The piece, inspired by the 12th-century polymathic mystic Saint Hildegard of Bingen, was skin-tinglingly breathy and slow, with long tones (played by Malone and her accompanist Stephen O’Malley) that rose up and swirled around the room.
    — Andy Battaglia, ARTnews.com, 7 Aug. 2026
  • Poetry of a Hindu mystic Kashmir gradually became a predominantly Muslim society after the Shah Mir dynasty came to power in the 14th century.
    — Peter Dziedzic, The Conversation, 30 July 2026
Definition of mystic
Adjective
  • Words like miraculous, inspirational, incredible, amazing and magical were just some of the adjectives heard at Friday’s event.
    — Chris Hays, The Orlando Sentinel, 28 Aug. 2026
  • Caleb the Conjurer created several magical wins for the Bears, but that late game fortune also rarely carries over into the next season.
    — David J. Neal, Miami Herald, 27 Aug. 2026
Definition of magical

Browse Nearby Words

numerous
numinous
numinousness
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Cite this Entry

“Numinous.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/numinous. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on numinous

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about numinous

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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