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

The film follows a quiet inmate arriving at a violent Indonesian prison with a supernatural entity that kills those with the darkest auras. —Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 27 Jan. 2026

Is there a supernatural element? —Nick Romano, Entertainment Weekly, 27 Jan. 2026

Hundreds of Cincinnati residents have shared their theories about potential sources of the sound on social media, ranging from biblical to supernatural. —Khloe Quill, FOXNews.com, 26 Jan. 2026

The new film Leviticus, from director Adrian Chiarella, is a solemn and frightening acknowledgment of that reality, albeit one allegorized into supernatural horror. —Richard Lawson, HollywoodReporter, 24 Jan. 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