clairvoyance

noun

clair·​voy·​ance kler-ˈvȯi-ən(t)s 

1

: the power or faculty of discerning objects not present to the senses

2

: ability to perceive matters beyond the range of ordinary perception : penetration

The fortune teller practices clairvoyance when she gazes into a crystal ball to see her client's future.

Synonyms of clairvoyance

• sixth sense
• telepathy
• second sight
• foreknowledge
• extrasensory perception

Examples of clairvoyance in a Sentence

I don't believe in clairvoyance, but I can't explain how he knew those things about my grandmother.

people who claim to have clairvoyance are sometimes asked to help locate missing persons

Recent Examples on the Web

For many of the previous 120 days, Tara tells Thomas what is happening to her, and convinces him of her situation through her apparent clairvoyance. —John Warner, Chicago Tribune, 10 Jan. 2026

Our resident new-age cop believes in astrology, clairvoyance, and the spirit world, much to Nolan’s chagrin. —Tanya Melendez, Entertainment Weekly, 6 Jan. 2026

This allows both characters to see ghosts, communicate telepathically, and demonstrate clairvoyance. —Megan McCluskey, Time, 31 Oct. 2025

In that movie, Lorraine sees visions of a demon dressed as a nun, which can block her clairvoyance. —Julie Tremaine, PEOPLE, 27 Oct. 2025

Word History

Etymology

see clairvoyant entry 1

First Known Use

1838, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for clairvoyance

• annoyance

Kids Definition

clairvoyance

noun

clair·​voy·​ance kla(ə)r-ˈvȯi-ən(t)s 

kle(ə)r-

: the power of seeing or knowing about things that are not present to the senses

Etymology

from French clairvoyance "clairvoyance," from clair "clear" (from Latin clarus "clear") and voyant "seeing" (derived from Latin vidēre "to see") — related to clear, vision

Medical Definition

clairvoyance

noun

clair·​voy·​ance kla(ə)r-ˈvȯi-ən(t)s, kle(ə)r- 

: the power or faculty of discerning objects or matters not present to the senses

called also cryptesthesia