miracle

noun

mir·​a·​cle ˈmir-i-kəl How to pronounce miracle (audio)
Synonyms of miraclenext
1
: an extraordinary event manifesting divine intervention in human affairs
the healing miracles described in the Gospels
2
: an extremely outstanding or unusual event, thing, or accomplishment
The bridge is a miracle of engineering.
It was a miracle that we won.
By some miracle, I was on time.

Examples of miracle in a Sentence

She believed that God had given her the power to work miracles. It would take a miracle for this team to win. the miracle of his recovery These days, thanks to the miracle of television, we can watch events happening on the other side of the world.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
To encompass the story, about a miracle from 847, when Pope Leo IV stopped a fire with a blessing, Raphael brings you into the fresco through the unshod feet of a woman in agony and leaves you near the very back, with a tiny and serene Leo IV. Zachary Fine, New Yorker, 20 Apr. 2026 And yet, even in the depths of loss, Kim came to see the voyage itself as a miracle – proof that survival could lead to something more. Mike Valerio, CNN Money, 19 Apr. 2026 The Lakers limped painfully into the playoffs Saturday night only to delightfully discover a miracle salve. Los Angeles Times, 19 Apr. 2026 With beginnings such as those, the Red Sox needed a miracle to take the second game of the long-weekend quartet. Gabrielle Starr, Boston Herald, 18 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for miracle

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, borrowed from Anglo-French, borrowed from Late Latin mīrāculum, going back to Latin, "something amazing, marvel," from mīrārī "to be surprised, look with wonder at" + -culum, suffix of instrument (going back to Indo-European *-tlom) — more at admire

First Known Use

12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of miracle was in the 12th century

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Cite this Entry

“Miracle.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/miracle. Accessed 24 Apr. 2026.

Kids Definition

miracle

noun
mir·​a·​cle ˈmir-i-kəl How to pronounce miracle (audio)
1
: an extraordinary event taken as a sign of the supernatural power of God
2
: an extremely outstanding or unusual event, thing, or accomplishment
Etymology

Middle English miracle "a miracle," from early French miracle (same meaning), derived from Latin miraculum "a wonder," from mirari "to wonder at" — related to admire

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