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
Megadeth was fueled by spite, inspired by speed, and enabled by Mustaine’s preternatural gift for Flying V warfare, as well as his knack for asking provocative economic queries about the salability of peace.
—
Eli Enis, Pitchfork, 26 Jan. 2026
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
See All Example Sentences for preternatural
Eli Enis, Pitchfork, 26 Jan. 2026
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
See All Example Sentences for preternatural
Recent Examples of Synonyms for preternatural
Adjective
-
Her credits this decade include a complex and crucial supporting part in Mare of Easttown, an Emmy-winning guest appearance on Hacks, a turn opposite Nicolas Cage in Dream Scenario, and a starring role in Annie Baker’s extraordinary indie film Janet Planet.—
Keith Phipps,
Vulture,
30 Mar. 2026
-
Nyad is an extraordinary example, but researchers say a positive attitude is key.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
30 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
New Line has once again brightened up to the idea of a sequel to its 2016 supernatural horror hit Lights Out.—
Borys Kit,
HollywoodReporter,
27 Mar. 2026
-
Together, the Fruits form a coven — or, at least, something like a coven — wielding their soft supernatural powers between shifts, on and off the sales floor.—
Alison Foreman,
IndieWire,
25 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
One comic gimmick involves Appa’s superhuman grip that can subdue even the mightiest of men.—
Theater Critic,
Los Angeles Times,
27 Mar. 2026
-
The suit stated that Figure AI’s next-generation robots moved at superhuman speed and generated force approximately twice the level necessary to fracture an adult human skull.—
Dylan Butts,
CNBC,
26 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
The rapid melting is also increasing avalanche activity in unusual places.—
Callie Zanandrie,
CBS News,
27 Mar. 2026
-
But Chris Piper, manager of public policy and stakeholder engagement at the Partnership for Public Service, said the length of time that has passed since Means' rescheduled confirmation hearing also is unusual.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
26 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
Olivia Simon, United States, 2025, WORLD PREMIERE Trapped alone in a haunted room, a paranormal researcher’s experiment goes horrifically wrong.—
William Earl,
Variety,
25 Mar. 2026
-
The film following a pair of paranormal podcasters (Nina Kiri and Adam DiMarco) who stumble upon a disturbing set of recordings.—
Ryan Coleman,
Entertainment Weekly,
16 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
Yet, Tory Burch has always had the uncanny ability to peer into the future and unlock our unconscious desires.—
Vogue,
Vogue,
30 Mar. 2026
-
The Nuggets’ forwards have an uncanny habit of getting hurt all at once.—
Bennett Durando,
Denver Post,
30 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
Samanski is delivering exceptional numbers away from McDavid and Draisaitl.—
Allan Mitchell,
New York Times,
25 Mar. 2026
-
Amenities and experiences The spa is exceptional.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
24 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
To the victim, a transcendental thief is still a thief.—
Anthony Lane,
New Yorker,
22 Mar. 2026
-
There are some proactive stress management techniques that the ACC endorses, including transcendental meditation and yoga.—
Mara Gordon,
NPR,
17 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Preternatural.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/preternatural. Accessed 1 Apr. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
