supernatural

adjective su·per·nat·u·ral \ ˌsü-pər-ˈna-chə-rəl , -ˈnach-rəl \

Updated on: 10 Apr 2018

Definition of supernatural

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

play \ˌsü-pər-ˈna-chər-ə-lē, -ˈnach-rə-, -ˈna-chər-lē\ adverb

—

supernaturalness

noun

See supernatural defined for English-language learners

See supernatural defined for kids

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 of supernatural from the Web

It’s as though Lex Luthor dropped a supernatural force field onto the state to keep women as far away from political power as possible.

— maria panaritis, Philly.com, "Pa. women are gunning for state House, Senate seats this year. It's huge - and about time. | Maria Panaritis," 6 Apr. 2018
The team’s dominance undercuts the myth of the halcyon days of youth and its supernatural powers.

— roy bragg, San Antonio Express-News, "SA Bombers: Old man strength at its best," 3 Apr. 2018
The crisp spookiness of autumn lends itself nicely to Stranger Things' supernatural narratives.

— christopher rosa, Glamour, "The First ‘Stranger Things’ Season 3 Details Are Here, and They’re Good," 26 Mar. 2018
Similarly, Vandy Wood’s set design strikes a smart balance between reality and the supernatural.

— matthew j. palm, OrlandoSentinel.com, "A mystery ambles along in Garden's 'Tennessee Walk'," 17 Mar. 2018
The series centers on a mysterious hotel, The Last Stop Inn, situated on a lonely stretch of foreboding highway, where the unlucky guests who check in each week struggle to understand the supernatural events that unfold during their stay.

— mia galuppo, The Hollywood Reporter, "Deon Taylor Lauches Dark Circus Banner, Sets Snoop Dogg-Produced Anthology Series," 16 Mar. 2018
From the beginning, Bailey’s gifts as a lawyer appeared almost supernatural.

— andrew goldman, Town & Country, "The Rise and Fall of F. Lee Bailey, the Lawyer Who Set O.J. Simpson Free," 9 Mar. 2018
García Márquez attributed his fascination with the supernatural to his grandmother’s belief in ghosts, omen and portents.

— laignee barron, Time, "Today is Gabriel García Márquez's 91st Birthday. What to Know About the Master of Magical Realism," 6 Mar. 2018
Like Al Michaels asking about our faith in the supernatural, those words will ring for generations.

— alex prewitt, SI.com, "The American Dream: Imagining Olympic Hockey With NHL Players," 26 Jan. 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'supernatural.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.