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Synonyms

nonmaterial

American  
[non-muh-teer-ee-uhl] / ˌnɒn məˈtɪər i əl /

adjective

  1. not material or composed of matter.

  2. not involving, seeking, or primarily concerned with riches or material things; involving or concerned with the spiritual, intellectual, or cultural aspects of life.

  3. of or relating to the spirit or soul; spiritual.

    to minister to a person's nonmaterial needs.

Etymology

Origin of nonmaterial

First recorded in 1935–40; non- + material

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Therefore, there must be a nonmaterial entity that causes this material world to come into existence.

From Textbooks • Jun. 15, 2022

He utilizes concrete as a nonmaterial in my mind — it’s really about space and how you circulate within it, and the light and the freedom of expression that nevertheless serve a purpose.

From New York Times • Aug. 2, 2021

The “old mysterians” were dualists who believed in nonmaterial properties, such as the soul, that cannot be explained by natural processes.

From Scientific American • Jul. 1, 2018

I don’t think I’ll make any more progress with my mom, but how do I tell everyone else to give only one gift or give nonmaterial presents instead?

From Slate • Feb. 8, 2018

There is little doubt that money is a major motivator, yet many billionaires also have nonmaterial goals.

From Washington Post

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.