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

Ghosting, a supernatural thriller written by Brian DeCubellis and K.S. Bruce and to be directed by Brian DeCubellis, which is now casting; and The Confidence Men, based on the book by Margalit Fox, whose screenplay was adapted by Jez Scharf (Bodkin), and which is currently targeting a director. —Andreas Wiseman, Deadline, 17 May 2025

This supernatural short takes place in London in 1757 where a visionary writer locked in an insane asylum is targeted by the Devil to compose a specific poem that will allow him to lord over the Earth and its inhabitants. —Jeff Spry, Space.com, 17 May 2025

Her investigation reveals forbidden rituals and buried wartime secrets connected to a sealed cave, with supernatural forces closing in around her. —Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 15 May 2025

The Discovery Channel ghost hunters look into the building’s supernatural nature in the show’s latest episode. —Hannah Poukish, Sacbee.com, 14 May 2025

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

Rhymes for supernatural

• preternatural
• natural
• unnatural

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