1
as in extraordinary
being out of the ordinary
an editor with a preternatural sense of what will interest the book-buying public
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
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
Synonyms & Similar Words
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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of preternatural
Young women with a preternatural knack for social media began flocking to the field, parlaying viral content into high-net-worth clientele, who value their aesthetic as much—or even more—than their planning skills.
—
Sheila Yasmin Marikar, Air Mail, 2 May 2026
That commitment wouldn’t be possible if the music didn’t have a preternatural force to speak to current anxieties.
—Los Angeles Times, 27 Mar. 2026
Meanwhile Fears and Coen Carr seem to have a near preternatural connection, the guard intuitively understanding when and where Carr would like an alley-oop feed at the rim.
—Dana O’Neil, CNN Money, 19 Mar. 2026
There’s a lyrics-and-melody power to the interplay of sharp observations and visuals that dive deep into archival material — a fitting dynamic for a film about someone with a preternatural gift for infectious tunes.
—Sheri Linden, HollywoodReporter, 25 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for preternatural
Sheila Yasmin Marikar, Air Mail, 2 May 2026
That commitment wouldn’t be possible if the music didn’t have a preternatural force to speak to current anxieties.
—Los Angeles Times, 27 Mar. 2026
Meanwhile Fears and Coen Carr seem to have a near preternatural connection, the guard intuitively understanding when and where Carr would like an alley-oop feed at the rim.
—Dana O’Neil, CNN Money, 19 Mar. 2026
There’s a lyrics-and-melody power to the interplay of sharp observations and visuals that dive deep into archival material — a fitting dynamic for a film about someone with a preternatural gift for infectious tunes.
—Sheri Linden, HollywoodReporter, 25 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for preternatural
Recent Examples of Synonyms for preternatural
Adjective
-
Dylan’s custom Fender Stratocaster reflects both his extraordinary creativity and the pioneering spirit of the American guitar maker.—
Rachel Cormack,
Robb Report,
1 June 2026
-
Are Henry James’s heroines, surely among the most extraordinary female characters in literary history, really one-dimensional idols?—
Becca Rothfeld,
New Yorker,
1 June 2026
Adjective
-
But, for as intriguing as all of those answers were, the driving force behind the episode was not very supernatural at all.—
Katie Campione,
Deadline,
28 May 2026
-
Like Stranger Things, The Boroughs features a supernatural mystery that is uncovered by a plucky group of underdogs—rather than teenagers, our heroes are a group of retirees who live in the titular retirement home.—
Dani Di Placido,
Forbes.com,
28 May 2026
Adjective
-
Aurora is leading the charge with 200 superhuman truck drivers this year.—
Michael Bloom,
CNBC,
29 May 2026
-
The inaugural Enhanced Games promised superhuman performance.—
James Billot,
Washington Post,
28 May 2026
Adjective
-
Since arriving at the zoo, the buffalo has attracted large crowds and sparked debate over its unusual nickname.—
Michael Sinkewicz,
FOXNews.com,
4 June 2026
-
What’s unusual is to see these elements presented so grandly on a stage as big as The Bushnell’s and presented in a manner that doesn’t compromise a dark tale of anger, revenge, dangerous romance, desperation and survival.—
Christopher Arnott,
Hartford Courant,
4 June 2026
Adjective
-
Make That Movie star Sam Campbell will offer views on the relationship of creativity to success, and comedian and actress Jess Knappett encourages Buxton to be more open-minded about the metaphysical and paranormal world to seem cooler.—
Jesse Whittock,
Deadline,
4 June 2026
-
How to Disappear Completely follows Hazel, who — 20 years after her sister vanished following a strange paranormal encounter — remains haunted by grief and unsettling bouts of déjà vu.—
Shyla Watson,
PEOPLE,
4 June 2026
Adjective
-
With the Hurricanes, Seminoles and Gators all failing to advance past regionals for the first time since 2022, the Sunshine State's lack of representation in both the super regionals and College World Series will feel uncanny.—
Austin Perry OutKick,
FOXNews.com,
2 June 2026
-
The current wave of new acts — think Fcukers, Underscores, and of course, PinkPantheress — wield the sound with an uncanny magnetism, as if communicating from a post-digital future.—
Jeff Ihaza,
Rolling Stone,
2 June 2026
Adjective
-
Where on one hand, the likes of Stark have enjoyed exceptional sales numbers, LiveWire has been struggling quite a bit.—
Utkarsh Sood
June 03,
New Atlas,
3 June 2026
-
Things do not go down without a hitch, despite Hollis’s exceptional menu planning and hosting abilities.—
Alessandra Codinha,
InStyle,
3 June 2026
Adjective
-
But in Soni’s careful translation, the repetitions and subtle variation of Verma’s poems also achieve a haunting, transcendental resonance.—
The New Yorker,
New Yorker,
1 June 2026
-
Torn recently opened for transcendental drone purveyors Sunn O))), and longtime Sunn collaborator Randall Dunn produced imagine.—
Reed Jackson,
SPIN,
1 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Preternatural.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/preternatural. Accessed 6 Jun. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
