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

And yet, ghost stories will often have women as supernatural witches, coming back to curse people or cause trouble. — Joseph States, Chicago Tribune, 29 Oct. 2026

But the Green Man of legend – a glowing, threatening figure with supernatural powers who supposedly lived in a tunnel – was not. — Jeffrey Tolbert, The Conversation, 28 Oct. 2026

Martin Scorsese, Steven Spielberg, Guillermo del Toro and Alejandro Amenábar are among those who admire his Changeling (1980), about a grieving composer (Scott) caught in a supernatural mystery involving his new home. — Mike Barnes, HollywoodReporter, 28 Oct. 2026

The sugar-laden, supernatural celebration of all things that go bump in the night is finally upon us. — Kari Barnett, Sun Sentinel, 28 Oct. 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