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

Although his family initially dismisses his stories as just Jared being his usual weird self, in due time the whole clan gets caught up in the battle to save their town from a destructive supernatural force. —Angie Han, The Hollywood Reporter, 18 Apr. 2024

You might be drawn to metaphysical or mystical subjects or supernatural phenomena. —Georgia Nicols, The Denver Post, 13 Apr. 2024

Sony’s supernatural comedy is inching closer to $100 million domestic, now moving past $92 million. —J. Kim Murphy, Variety, 13 Apr. 2024

Hamilton, who is a longtime fan of the Netflix supernatural series, previously admitted that joining the world of Stranger Things did end up spoiling some of its magic for her. —EW.com, 12 Apr. 2024

The people at the time may also have had a supernatural relationship with the cats. —Irene Wright, Miami Herald, 9 Apr. 2024

The idea stems from people leaving a monetary offering to spirits or supernatural forces that exist in nature. —Samantha Murphy Kelly, CNN, 30 Mar. 2024

Seemingly everyone in Shreveport knows the story, and believes that only supernatural intervention enabled Patrick Johnson to survive. —David D. Kirkpatrick, The New Yorker, 15 Mar. 2024

Their goal is to bring about a supernatural evil that would enable the church to maintain an influence on the increasingly secular world of the 1970s. —Jack Smart, Peoplemag, 6 Apr. 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