supernatural

adjective

su·​per·​nat·​u·​ral ˌsü-pər-ˈna-chə-rəl 

-ˈnach-rəl

1

: of or relating to an order of existence beyond the visible observable universe

especially : of or relating to God or a god, demigod, spirit, or devil

2

a

: departing from what is usual or normal especially so as to appear to transcend the laws of nature

b

: attributed to an invisible agent (such as a ghost or spirit)

supernatural noun

supernaturally

ˌsü-pər-ˈna-chər-ə-lē 

-ˈnach-rə-

-ˈna-chər-lē

adverb

supernaturalness noun

Synonyms

• metaphysical
• otherworldly
• paranormal
• preternatural
• transcendent
• transcendental
• unearthly

Examples of supernatural in a Sentence

believes in ghosts, guardian angels, and other supernatural beings

he seems to read books with supernatural speed

Recent Examples on the Web

But each individual score is an eclectic contradiction unto itself, transforming — like one of Miyazaki’s oozing supernatural creatures — from electronic minimalism one moment, to a chamber circus, to a grand classical sweep, to a children’s song. —Tim Greiving, Los Angeles Times, 29 Nov. 2023

Twins Milly and Billy Ting are coming to grips with the big revelation about their supernatural heritage, but as usual, aren’t getting much practical or emotional support from their distant parents Ipo and Keon. —Rob Salkowitz, Forbes, 29 Nov. 2023

In the 1930s, a boatman on the Paraná River kidnapped and devoured children in the name of a supernatural being, El Horario. —John Hopewell, Variety, 17 Nov. 2023

Viewers may well be trapped, wondering if the cause of the disappearance is, for example, supernatural, or product of down-the-centuries class struggle or lies elsewhere. —John Hopewell, Variety, 21 Nov. 2023

Keri Moore, Lionsgate’s co-president of worldwide theatrical marketing, previously hinted to Variety that something supernatural could be at play. —Eric Andersson, Peoplemag, 16 Nov. 2023

Mystery, realistic fiction, romance, sci-fi, sports, supernatural. —Ruby Cramer, Washington Post, 11 Nov. 2023

What if a supernatural entity meticulously planned the downfall of Waystar Royco and the death of the Roy bloodline? —Los Angeles Times Staff, Los Angeles Times, 10 Nov. 2023

This is a very light supernatural, with a sense of the world being wide and wondrous rather than a concrete magical system like Marske’s. —Olivia Waite, New York Times, 31 Oct. 2023

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Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Medieval Latin supernaturalis, from Latin super- + natura nature

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing supernatural

• the supernatural

• the supernatural

Kids Definition

supernatural

adjective

su·​per·​nat·​u·​ral ˌsü-pər-ˈnach-(ə-)rəl 

1

: of or relating to an order of existence beyond the visible observable universe

especially : of or relating to God or a god, demigod, spirit, or devil

2

a

: departing from what is usual or normal especially so as to appear to go beyond the laws of nature

b

: attributed to an invisible agent (as a ghost or spirit)

supernatural noun

supernaturally

-ˈnach-(ə-)rə-lē 

-ˈnach-ər-lē

adverb