paranormal

adjective

para·​nor·​mal ˌper-ə-ˈnȯr-məl 

ˌpa-rə-;

ˈper-ə-ˌnȯr-,

ˈpa-rə-

: not scientifically explainable : supernatural

paranormal noun

paranormality

ˌper-ə-ˌnȯr-ˈma-lə-tē 

ˌpa-rə-

noun

paranormally

ˌper-ə-ˈnȯr-mə-lē 

ˌpa-rə-;

ˈper-ə-ˌnȯr-

ˈpa-rə-

adverb

Synonyms

• metaphysical
• otherworldly
• preternatural
• supernatural
• transcendent
• transcendental
• unearthly

Examples of paranormal in a Sentence

there are rumors that the old deserted mansion is the site of paranormal activity

Recent Examples on the Web

The stakes are paranormal, yes, but the roots are real—anchored in the experiences, traditions, and truths of communities across generations. —Essence, 2 Apr. 2025

The book didn’t see the success The Bermuda Triangle enjoyed, and the chatter of a paranormal passage in Lake Michigan simmered down until the 1990s. —Emilie Le Beau Lucchesi, Discover Magazine, 19 Dec. 2024

Braver souls can take a special paranormal investigation tour with ghost-hunting equipment. 2476 San Diego Ave., San Diego. —Abby Hamblin, San Diego Union-Tribune, 18 Mar. 2025

The store stocks science fiction, paranormal, fantasy, young adult, along with contemporary titles, sports, Westerns and more. —Erik Pedersen, Orange County Register, 15 Mar. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1905, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing paranormal

• the paranormal

Rhymes for paranormal

• orthonormal
• supernormal
• abnormal
• conformal
• informal
• lognormal
• nonformal
• subnormal
• formal
• formyl

Medical Definition

paranormal

adjective

para·​nor·​mal ˌpar-ə-ˈnȯr-məl 

: not understandable in terms of known scientific laws and phenomena

experiments in paranormal cognition of drawings

—Psychological Abstracts

paranormally

-ē 

adverb