supernatural

adjective

su·​per·​nat·​u·​ral ˌsü-pər-ˈna-chə-rəl How to pronounce supernatural (audio)
-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 How to pronounce supernatural (audio)
-ˈnach-rə-
-ˈna-chər-lē
adverb
supernaturalness noun

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 See More

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'supernatural.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of supernatural was in the 15th century

Dictionary Entries Near supernatural

Cite this Entry

“Supernatural.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/supernatural. Accessed 10 Dec. 2023.

Kids Definition

supernatural

adjective
su·​per·​nat·​u·​ral ˌsü-pər-ˈnach-(ə-)rəl How to pronounce supernatural (audio)
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 How to pronounce supernatural (audio)
-ˈnach-ər-lē
adverb

More from Merriam-Webster on supernatural

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