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

Though no official explanations tie paranormal activity to any of the more than 200 deaths reported since 1994, the frequency and nature of fatal incidents have reinforced its haunted reputation. —Jenna Dejong, MSNBC Newsweek, 16 May 2025

Hudson is best known for playing paranormal exterminator Winston Zeddemore in 1984's Ghostbusters, its 1989 sequel, 2021's Ghostbusters: Afterlife, and 2024's Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire. —Wesley Stenzel, EW.com, 16 May 2025

The plot follows an unconventional partnership between a Taiwanese paranormal YouTuber and an Indian tech engineer who must join forces to combat a supernatural threat endangering both their worlds. —Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 14 May 2025

Based on a 2010 novel of the same name, Warm Bodies is a 2013 romantic comedy with a paranormal twist. —Francesca Gariano, People.com, 1 May 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