supernatural

adjective

su·​per·​nat·​u·​ral ˌsü-pər-ˈna-chə-rəl 

-ˈnach-rəl

1

: of or relating to an order of existence beyond the visible observable universe

especially : of or relating to God or a god, demigod, spirit, or devil

2

a

: departing from what is usual or normal especially so as to appear to transcend the laws of nature

b

: attributed to an invisible agent (such as a ghost or spirit)

supernatural noun

supernaturally

ˌsü-pər-ˈna-chər-ə-lē 

-ˈnach-rə-

-ˈna-chər-lē

adverb

supernaturalness noun

Synonyms

• metaphysical
• otherworldly
• paranormal
• preternatural
• transcendent
• transcendental
• unearthly

Examples of supernatural in a Sentence

believes in ghosts, guardian angels, and other supernatural beings

he seems to read books with supernatural speed

Recent Examples on the Web

There was good and evil in the world—not in the colloquial sense but in the literal, supernatural sense. —Andrew Marantz, The New Yorker, 1 Nov. 2024

The narrative arc of Ghosts follows a gentleman mysteriously endowed with supernatural abilities that frighten the residents of a phantom town. —Ime Ekpo, Forbes, 31 Oct. 2024

Indeed, despite a distinct lack of anything supernatural (or even a single onscreen death), The Vanishing produces a terrifying take of dread and obsession that's bone-white rather than blood-red. —Keith Staskiewicz, EW.com, 31 Oct. 2024

According to Cris August, director of OC Ghosts & Legends in Southern California, paranormal or supernatural activity should only be considered after all other logical explanations have been thoroughly ruled out. —Kelsey Mulvey, Sunset Magazine, 31 Oct. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Medieval Latin supernaturalis, from Latin super- + natura nature

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing supernatural

• the supernatural

Kids Definition

supernatural

adjective

su·​per·​nat·​u·​ral ˌsü-pər-ˈnach-(ə-)rəl 

1

: of or relating to an order of existence beyond the visible observable universe

especially : of or relating to God or a god, demigod, spirit, or devil

2

a

: departing from what is usual or normal especially so as to appear to go beyond the laws of nature

b

: attributed to an invisible agent (as a ghost or spirit)

supernatural noun

supernaturally

-ˈnach-(ə-)rə-lē 

-ˈnach-ər-lē

adverb