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.
After the close win over the Cardinals, Harbaugh, the Giants coach, who signed a five-year contract worth a hundred million dollars in January, was philosophical. — Louisa Thomas, New Yorker, 11 Oct. 2026 The team works with local hospitals to negotiate special rates for their patients who are Amish or members of the broader Plain community, a group whose philosophical beliefs keep them from enrolling in formal health insurance plans. — Deidre McPhillips, CNN Money, 7 Oct. 2026 After Ted arrives and Roy departs, Ted and Rebecca have their own, more philosophical heart-to-heart about how being messy is part of being alive. — Keith Phipps, Vulture, 7 Oct. 2026 The problem of longevity possesses philosophical and practical contradictions, now heightened by the gradual disappearance of artists of Serra’s generation and the uncertain posthumous legacy of their work. — Jeffrey Weiss, Artforum, 1 Oct. 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

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Browse Nearby Words

philosophia prima
philosophical
philosophical analysis
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Cite this Entry

“Philosophical.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/philosophical. Accessed 14 Oct. 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

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