Synonyms for

Spiritual

Verb / ˈspɪrɪˌtʃu:ʌl / Another word for spiritual — explore alternatives below. For syllable breakdowns and pronunciation, see this word on Syllablesworld.

Definition

relating to or affecting the human spirit or soul as opposed to material or physical things

Synonyms & similar words

ghostlike religious phantasmal spectral ghostly apparitional negrospiritual unearthly religious sacred divine ethereal transcendent mystical otherworldly supernatural metaphysical holistic intangible nonphysical nonmaterial nonsecular pious devout godly heavenly angelic blessed

Synonyms by register

Formal

nonmaterial immaterial transcendent unworldly

Informal

religious holy divine churchy

Literary

ethereal celestial seraphic

Antonyms

material physical corporeal earthly mundane tangible secular

Common collocations

  • spiritual growth
  • spiritual awakening
  • spiritual journey
  • spiritual practice
  • spiritual connection
  • spiritual well-being
  • spiritual guidance

Word family

noun spirituality
adverb spiritually

Usage note

Often contrasted with 'material' or 'physical'. Can sometimes be used broadly to mean 'related to the mind or emotions', but this can be vague and is best avoided in formal contexts.

Example sentences

  1. She felt a spiritual connection to the tree.
  2. He went on a spiritual retreat to find inner peace.
  3. The painting had a spiritual quality that moved me deeply.
  4. The spiritual leader spoke about compassion and kindness.
  5. She found comfort in her spiritual beliefs.

Quotes

  • The spiritual journey is the unlearning of fear and the acceptance of love. -Marianne Williamson
  • The soul is here for its own joy. -Rumi
  • The spiritual life does not remove us from the world but leads us deeper into it. -Henri Nouwen

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