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

With brilliant sound design and perfectly-dosed jump scares, first time director Kim Soo-jin blends real-life anxieties with stark, supernatural elements to create genuine tension that never lets go. —Alison Foreman, IndieWire, 5 June 2025

There’s a lot going on with supernatural elements, topics of mental health and reincarnation. —Destiny Jackson, Deadline, 4 June 2025

His independent investigations lead him to a supernatural serial killer (Harry Treadaway), who will seemingly stop at nothing to torment Hodges. —EW.com, 23 May 2025

That movie was based on the novel by Alice Hoffman and juggled themes and ideas of sisterhood, female empowerment, domestic abuse, with some comedy and supernatural fun thrown in. —Borys Kit, HollywoodReporter, 21 May 2025

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