paranormal

adjective

para·​nor·​mal ˌper-ə-ˈnȯr-məl 

ˌpa-rə-;

ˈper-ə-ˌnȯr-,

ˈpa-rə-

: not scientifically explainable : supernatural

paranormal noun

paranormality

ˌper-ə-ˌnȯr-ˈma-lə-tē 

ˌpa-rə-

noun

paranormally

ˌper-ə-ˈnȯr-mə-lē 

ˌpa-rə-;

ˈper-ə-ˌnȯr-

ˈpa-rə-

adverb

Synonyms

• supernatural
• metaphysical
• transcendental

Examples of paranormal in a Sentence

there are rumors that the old deserted mansion is the site of paranormal activity

Recent Examples on the Web

Though conventional in its concept (family moves into house, spirits possess family, paranormal investigators exorcize spirits), the movie's significance comes from its execution, which electrified audiences with ominous clapping hands and expert control of tension. —Michael Lee Simpson, Entertainment Weekly, 29 Oct. 2025

Annabelle first hit the big screen in The Conjuring (2013), which follows paranormal investigators Ed and Lorraine Warren, who are tasked to aid the Perron family who have been terrorized by the Annabelle doll. —Essence, 29 Oct. 2025

The investigation successfully documented numerous terrifying moments that caused both the cast and crew to question the reality of their beliefs surrounding paranormal activity. —Jennifer Maas, Variety, 28 Oct. 2025

When work began on The Conjuring, Lorraine coached the cast on how to handle sensitive paranormal experiences. —Julie Tremaine, PEOPLE, 27 Oct. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1905, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing paranormal

• the paranormal

Rhymes for paranormal

• orthonormal
• supernormal
• abnormal
• conformal
• informal
• lognormal
• nonformal
• subnormal
• formal
• formyl

Medical Definition

paranormal

adjective

para·​nor·​mal ˌpar-ə-ˈnȯr-məl 

: not understandable in terms of known scientific laws and phenomena

experiments in paranormal cognition of drawings

—Psychological Abstracts

paranormally

-ē 

adverb