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

The war between science and religion in the nineteenth century brought it all to a head, as a supernatural world view became supplanted by one that was more secular and scientific, in a development that Nietzsche described as the death of God. —Manvir Singh, The New Yorker, 9 Sep. 2024

On the eve of each new year, the Celts believed, the barrier between the living and the dead became porous, allowing a host of supernatural entities—including fairies and demons—to emerge and stalk the earth for one spine-chilling night. —Brandon Tensley, Smithsonian Magazine, 5 Sep. 2024

Meanwhile, Lydia’s daughter, Astrid (Jenna Ortega), wants nothing to do with the family’s supernatural legacy – or with her mother’s sleazy business manager/boyfriend Rory (Justin Theroux). —Troy Aidan Sambajon, The Christian Science Monitor, 5 Sep. 2024

The beloved supernatural western about a gun-slinging hereditary demon hunter and her ragtag family, which originally ran for four seasons on Syfy, is back again, this time as a 90-minute special on Tubi. —Meredith Blake, Los Angeles Times, 5 Sep. 2024

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

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