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

Things get even more complicated when Yoon-gab’s possession by Gang Cheol prompts some paranormal surprises and romantic confusion. —Joan MacDonald, Forbes.com, 23 Apr. 2025

Some strange sightings in the neck of the woods, however, set a paranormal tone and a mystery to resolve that intertwines with each of the four main characters. —Diego Argüello, Rolling Stone, 19 Apr. 2025

Coogler’s latest project draws on his Southern roots and family history to deliver a paranormal tale about two brothers who open a juke joint in their Mississippi hometown. —Quincy Bowie, CNN Money, 18 Apr. 2025

Matthew Lillard Known for his roles in Scream (1996) and Scooby-Doo (2002), Matthew Lillard had a four-episode stint on Twin Peaks: The Return as William Hastings, a high school principal with a blog dedicated to alternate dimensions and paranormal activity. —Drew MacKie, People.com, 8 Apr. 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