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

As the two compete to disprove the existence of the other’s passion, they get caught up in an encounter of both the spiritual and paranormal, imbuing both teenagers with powers beyond belief. —Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 20 Dec. 2024

In 1976, another paranormal hobbyist published a book, The Great Lakes Triangle, and claimed there were planes and vessels that disappeared in a mysterious triangle within the Great Lakes. —Emilie Le Beau Lucchesi, Discover Magazine, 19 Dec. 2024

A lot of it is very paranormal, like ghost stories or UFOs. —Julissa James, Los Angeles Times, 4 Dec. 2024

The venue's beloved mechanical bull, country music memorabilia, Bobby Mackey's stage costumes, a 2004 Ford Thunderbird, items related to the venue's paranormal folklore and more were sold in a public auction over the summer. —Grace Tucker, The Enquirer, 12 Dec. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1905, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing paranormal

• the paranormal

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