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

May 16, 2024 ‘Dead Boy Detectives’ Based on Neil Gaiman and Matt Wagner’s comic book series, this paranormal fantasy is about Edwin (George Rexstrew) and Charles (Jayden Revri), teenagers born decades apart — and ghost besties now — who run a detective agency that solves supernatural mysteries. —Erik Piepenburg, Los Angeles Times, 3 June 2024

The vibe is a classic summer coming-of-age story with a page-turning side of paranormal activity. —Carly Tagen-Dye, Peoplemag, 26 May 2024

In 2018, after another round of remodeling, the Elms Hotel & Spa opened as part of the Hyatt Destination hotel chain--offering century-old charm, modern hydrotherapy and paranormal tours too. —Randy Mason, Kansas City Star, 15 May 2024

Minka Kelly is experiencing creepy paranormal events in her latest movie. —Tommy McArdle, Peoplemag, 15 May 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