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

Not in a supernatural sense, but rather being haunted by a presence, or a lack thereof. — Marisa Meltzer, Vanity Fair, 26 June 2026

An epic with supernatural and epigenetic overtones, this debut novel looks like a feast of a story. — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 1 July 2026

Later, piano slices through the fog with a supernatural three-note lullaby that springs just off the beat, racing forward through the song’s misty backdrop. — Vanessa Ague, Pitchfork, 26 June 2026

From causing supernatural events to creating hysteria, our orbiting nightlight has always had legends and folktales written about it. — Taylor Grothe, Parents, 28 June 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