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

• supernatural
• metaphysical
• transcendental

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

Three-hour tour with paranormal historian Violet Shindler. —Haadiza Ogwude, Cincinnati Enquirer, 15 Oct. 2025

The Conjuring movie series is based on some of the most famous investigations done by paranormal experts Ed and Lorraine throughout their careers. —Nicole Briese, PEOPLE, 14 Oct. 2025

From paranormal ghost tours to 5k races, there really is something for all types of travelers in Anoka. —Stacey Leasca, Travel + Leisure, 11 Oct. 2025

The circa-1885 Tarrytown Music Hall has been said to be the site of paranormal activity, and each fall, storyteller Jonathan Kruk leads ghost tours of the venue. —Beth Luberecki, USA Today, 11 Oct. 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