1
as in extraordinary
being out of the ordinary
an editor with a preternatural sense of what will interest the book-buying public
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in supernatural
of, relating to, or being part of a reality beyond the observable physical universe
an investigator of preternatural phenomena
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in superhuman
being so extraordinary or abnormal as to suggest powers which violate the laws of nature
a preternatural ability to predict how the stock market will perform
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of preternatural
Though his language is that of the every day his preternatural instinct for rhythm fills his lines with a bursting musicality.
—
Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 6 Jan. 2026
There was some hope that Brosmer, who parlayed a combination of accuracy and preternatural processing skills into a roster spot out of training camp, might surprise everyone by running an efficient ship on Sunday.
—John Shipley, Twin Cities, 1 Dec. 2025
The most straightforward way to account for this preternatural smoothness is a period of inflation that provides time for the baby universe to reach a uniform temperature.
—Stephanie Pappas, Scientific American, 27 Oct. 2025
Many of those featured in the series are cryptids, creatures whose existence is disputed and often possess preternatural — meaning extraordinary — abilities, such as the Himalayan yeti or Australia’s amphibious bunyip.
—Jose R. Gonzalez, AZCentral.com, 15 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for preternatural
Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 6 Jan. 2026
There was some hope that Brosmer, who parlayed a combination of accuracy and preternatural processing skills into a roster spot out of training camp, might surprise everyone by running an efficient ship on Sunday.
—John Shipley, Twin Cities, 1 Dec. 2025
The most straightforward way to account for this preternatural smoothness is a period of inflation that provides time for the baby universe to reach a uniform temperature.
—Stephanie Pappas, Scientific American, 27 Oct. 2025
Many of those featured in the series are cryptids, creatures whose existence is disputed and often possess preternatural — meaning extraordinary — abilities, such as the Himalayan yeti or Australia’s amphibious bunyip.
—Jose R. Gonzalez, AZCentral.com, 15 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for preternatural
Recent Examples of Synonyms for preternatural
Adjective
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Every accommodation includes distinct furnishings, finishes, and wall coverings seemingly designed around the extraordinary bed at the center of it all.—
Kathryn Romeyn,
Architectural Digest,
9 Mar. 2026
-
Force majeure is a legal maneuver that can allow a company to suspend contractual obligations amid extraordinary events.—
NPR Staff,
NPR,
9 Mar. 2026
Adjective
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One of the projects, Ono Ghost Market, which was originally developed as a streaming series before being retooled as a feature film, will draw inspiration from Asian myths about supernatural marketplaces.—
Wesley Stenzel,
Entertainment Weekly,
7 Mar. 2026
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This year's Oscar nominees span many genres, including intimate international dramas and supernatural blockbusters.—
Jordan Minor,
PC Magazine,
7 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
The character is a mutant with superhuman abilities.—
Rosy Cordero,
Deadline,
6 Mar. 2026
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From the beginning Marvel was defined by its superhuman characters set against the background of the coming war.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
27 Feb. 2026
Adjective
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Because the diagnosis was so unusual, zoo staff examined the bodies of 64 free-ranging roof rats that had either been euthanized in the course of regular pest control or found dead on the property.—
Susanne Rust
Follow,
Los Angeles Times,
6 Mar. 2026
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California voters approved a similar measure last fall as a counterpoint to Republicans' unusual mid-cycle redistricting that began in Texas.—
MEG KINNARD THE ASSOCIATED PRESS,
Arkansas Online,
6 Mar. 2026
Adjective
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When two relatives vanish and a murder steeped in paranormal energy points to a deadly conspiracy, Sophy Harper and Luke Wells must work together to uncover the truth, even as secrets and an undeniable attraction threaten to complicate everything.—
Kait Hanson,
Southern Living,
26 Feb. 2026
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Coogler’s latest project draws on his Southern roots and family history to deliver a paranormal tale about two brothers who open a juke joint in their Mississippi hometown.—
Quincy Bowie,
CNN Money,
17 Feb. 2026
Adjective
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This uncanny quality is most apparent in the treatment of Rubio’s vocals.—
Daniel Bromfield,
Pitchfork,
10 Mar. 2026
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The central role of Nanno – an enigmatic transfer student whose uncanny insight into the moral failings of those around her drives each episode’s reckoning – is taken by 20-year-old Nakajima Arisa in her screen debut.—
Naman Ramachandran,
Variety,
8 Mar. 2026
Adjective
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Some dishes, like the exceptional goat neck dum biryani, which is served in a pot that’s sealed with a thin flatbread, are larger, so check in with your server about the number of items to order.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
4 Mar. 2026
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Williams’ words in December about Dalman’s exceptional brain, however, were followed by something less prophetic.—
Steve Henson,
Los Angeles Times,
4 Mar. 2026
Adjective
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Some here are under the thrall of a pastor, who has convinced one particular couple, whose relationship already is fraught, that their 12-year-old son (Archer Geye) is capable of assuming a transcendental identity, so to speak.—
Chris Jones,
Chicago Tribune,
2 Mar. 2026
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Maharishi International University was founded in 1971 by Maharishi Mahesh Yogi, who also introduced transcendental meditation.—
Kyle Werner,
Des Moines Register,
1 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Preternatural.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/preternatural. Accessed 12 Mar. 2026.
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