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 of supernatural

• paranormal
• transcendental
• metaphysical
• mystical

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, for as intriguing as all of those answers were, the driving force behind the episode was not very supernatural at all. —Katie Campione, Deadline, 28 May 2026

Like Stranger Things, The Boroughs features a supernatural mystery that is uncovered by a plucky group of underdogs—rather than teenagers, our heroes are a group of retirees who live in the titular retirement home. —Dani Di Placido, Forbes.com, 28 May 2026

Our two Yank interlopers spend some time puzzling over what that supernatural secret might be, before all is revealed in a burst of fantastical exposition toward the end of Act 1. —Chris Willman, Variety, 27 May 2026

Journey to the West presents a fictionalized version of Xuanzang’s pilgrimage, reimagining him as the monk Tang Sanzang, who is accompanied by three supernatural disciples, including Sun Wukong. —Frannie Comstock, Encyclopedia Britannica, 26 May 2026

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