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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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of preternatural
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
As a team with a ton of continuity, the Aces have almost a preternatural sense for one another on the court.
—Devin Robertson, MSNBC Newsweek, 3 Oct. 2025
Game predictions Fowler, thanks to his preternatural understanding of this franchise’s flows and ebbs, somehow stayed perfect after the Panthers’ shutout win last week.
—Alex Zietlow, Charlotte Observer, 28 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for preternatural
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
As a team with a ton of continuity, the Aces have almost a preternatural sense for one another on the court.
—Devin Robertson, MSNBC Newsweek, 3 Oct. 2025
Game predictions Fowler, thanks to his preternatural understanding of this franchise’s flows and ebbs, somehow stayed perfect after the Panthers’ shutout win last week.
—Alex Zietlow, Charlotte Observer, 28 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for preternatural
Recent Examples of Synonyms for preternatural
Adjective
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The evening brought together chefs, civic leaders, business innovators, artists and community advocates to honor renewal, rebuild momentum and remind Angelenos what makes the city extraordinary.—
Michelle Edgar,
Daily News,
27 Jan. 2026
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The contest aims to highlight extraordinary moments from beneath the surface that usually go unseen.—
Leslie Katz,
Forbes.com,
27 Jan. 2026
Adjective
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The new film Leviticus, from director Adrian Chiarella, is a solemn and frightening acknowledgment of that reality, albeit one allegorized into supernatural horror.—
Richard Lawson,
HollywoodReporter,
24 Jan. 2026
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Adam was almost supernatural in his ability to craft the story and let the humor come out without ever being mean or unfair.—
Jim Hemphill,
IndieWire,
23 Jan. 2026
Adjective
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Anthony Edwards has been superhuman with his shot making at the ends of games for much of the season.—
Jace Frederick,
Twin Cities,
23 Jan. 2026
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The near-term threat is not superhuman machines but the decline of thinking, feeling, and social humans.—
Ian Bremmer,
Time,
6 Jan. 2026
Adjective
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This time hosted against the dramatic architecture of Verona’s Roman Arena, this ceremony will celebrate the achievements of athletes from around the world, setting an unusual precedent of differing from the location of the opening ceremony.—
Sam Leveridge,
Forbes.com,
29 Jan. 2026
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The film takes some departures from the visual styles found in Pickford’s other films, invoking an unusual tone of despair while deploying camera angles and lighting akin to German Expressionist cinema.—
Mike Barnes,
HollywoodReporter,
29 Jan. 2026
Adjective
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For pure spectacle, Mardi Gras World reveals how the city’s legendary floats come alive; Vue Orleans delivers 360-degree views and smart interactive storytelling; and New Orleans Secrets tours takes you inside haunted buildings after dark for a paranormal experience with real atmospheric bite.—
Sophie Morgan,
Condé Nast Traveler,
28 Jan. 2026
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This season takes a hellish turn, as our caveman protagonist encounters undead and other paranormal enemies.—
Erik Kain,
Forbes.com,
23 Jan. 2026
Adjective
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In the work, traditional folklore and marvelous, uncanny incidents are often the sites of resistance against colonialism or enslavement.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
28 Jan. 2026
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The Boy Who Knew Too Much tells the true story of a young boy named Christian Haupt, who, from a very young age, displays an uncanny knowledge of baseball and vivid memories of a past life as Lou Gehrig, the famous Yankee.—
Nellie Andreeva,
Deadline,
27 Jan. 2026
Adjective
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The ship offers a rare opportunity to follow in the footsteps of historic polar explorers, paired with refined design, exceptional cuisine and a strong scientific mission.—
Laura Begley Bloom,
Forbes.com,
29 Jan. 2026
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At Old Trafford a fortnight earlier in the third round of the FA Cup, the game management of Kostoulas was exceptional in helping to protect a 2-1 lead as a late substitute.—
Andy Naylor,
New York Times,
28 Jan. 2026
Adjective
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Lynch, a longtime practitioner of transcendental meditation, will also be honored with a group meditation scheduled on Jan. 20, his birthday.—
Charlie Vargas,
Daily News,
7 Jan. 2026
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Fairfield’s Maharishi Foundation USA is suing a former student of transcendental meditation, claiming unfair competition and trademark infringement.—
Clark Kauffman,
Iowa Capital Dispatch,
7 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Preternatural.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/preternatural. Accessed 1 Feb. 2026.
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