supernatural

adjective

su·​per·​nat·​u·​ral ˌsü-pər-ˈna-chə-rəl 

-ˈnach-rəl

1

: of or relating to an order of existence beyond the visible observable universe

especially : of or relating to God or a god, demigod, spirit, or devil

2

a

: departing from what is usual or normal especially so as to appear to transcend the laws of nature

b

: attributed to an invisible agent (such as a ghost or spirit)

supernatural noun

supernaturally

ˌsü-pər-ˈna-chər-ə-lē 

-ˈnach-rə-

-ˈna-chər-lē

adverb

supernaturalness noun

Synonyms

• metaphysical
• otherworldly
• paranormal
• preternatural
• transcendent
• transcendental
• unearthly

Examples of supernatural in a Sentence

believes in ghosts, guardian angels, and other supernatural beings

he seems to read books with supernatural speed

Recent Examples on the Web

The twins successfully pack the juke joint with customers who are intoxicated by Sammie’s supernatural skills with a guitar—Delta Slim describes Black music as a kind of magic, and in another striking scene, Sammie’s playing summons the spirits of the revelers’ ancestors and descendants. —Adam Serwer, The Atlantic, 2 May 2025

The film, set in 1930s Mississippi and layered with supernatural tension, required not just historical precision but spiritual and emotional resonance. —Essence, 1 May 2025

Without any monsters to run from or supernatural forces to fight, Violet is stationary and in the same outfit for almost the entire film. —Alison Foreman, IndieWire, 30 Apr. 2025

But Cruz’s specialty is his splitter, a pitch that can only be explained by supernatural forces. —Chris Kirschner, New York Times, 19 Apr. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Medieval Latin supernaturalis, from Latin super- + natura nature

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing supernatural

• the supernatural

Rhymes for supernatural

• preternatural
• natural
• unnatural

Kids Definition

supernatural

adjective

su·​per·​nat·​u·​ral ˌsü-pər-ˈnach-(ə-)rəl 

1

: of or relating to an order of existence beyond the visible observable universe

especially : of or relating to God or a god, demigod, spirit, or devil

2

a

: departing from what is usual or normal especially so as to appear to go beyond the laws of nature

b

: attributed to an invisible agent (as a ghost or spirit)

supernatural noun

supernaturally

-ˈnach-(ə-)rə-lē 

-ˈnach-ər-lē

adverb