Synonyms for

Meta

Verb / ˈmi:tʌ / Another word for meta — explore alternatives below. For syllable breakdowns and pronunciation, see this word on Syllablesworld.

Definition

Meta means referring to itself or to the conventions of its genre; self-referential.

Synonyms & similar words

self-referential recursive reflexive introspective circular repetitive reiterative self-repeating self-replicating self-duplicating self-regenerating self-generating self-propagating self-perpetuating self-sustaining self-maintaining self-sufficient self-contained self-supporting self-subsistent

Synonyms by register

Formal

transcendent abstract self-referential recursive

Informal

about-about self-aware higher-level

Literary

beyond overarching

Antonyms

specific concrete literal basic fundamental primary

Common collocations

  • meta analysis
  • meta cognition
  • meta data
  • meta language
  • meta level
  • meta narrative
  • meta discussion

Word family

noun meta
adjective meta

Usage note

Often used in academic or technical contexts to describe something that is about itself or a higher level of abstraction. Can sometimes be overused or used incorrectly to simply mean 'about'.

Example sentences

  1. The book was very meta as it had a character who was writing a book.
  2. The TV show was very meta as it had characters talking to the audience.
  3. The artwork was very meta as it referenced other artists.
  4. The video game was very meta as it had characters who knew they were in a game.
  5. The song was very meta as it referenced other popular songs.

Quotes

  • I'm so meta, even this acronym.
  • Meta doesn't always have to be a joke or self-referential. Sometimes it's just being aware of what's going on.
  • I think there's something very meta about sitting in a movie theater, watching a movie about people watching a movie.

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