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

The characters are YouTubers themselves in the mid-aughts who in the course of their investigation discover that there’s a paranormal force that dates back to their childhood. —Brian Welk, IndieWire, 16 July 2024

In others, both characters exist in a paranormal context. —Clare Mulroy, USA TODAY, 10 July 2024

This real physical effect causes some people to believe that seemingly miraculous or paranormal phenomena are behind certain behaviors and occurrences. —Aja Romano, Vox, 18 June 2024

Believing that nothing says lifeless like a paranormal podcast hosted by a mere mortal, Lauren AKA Therésa presents real first-hand accounts and immersive audio to bring listeners face to face with the unexplainable. —Peter White, Deadline, 2 July 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