paranormal

adjective

para·​nor·​mal ˌper-ə-ˈnȯr-məl How to pronounce paranormal (audio)
ˌpa-rə-;
ˈper-ə-ˌnȯr-, 
ˈpa-rə-
Synonyms of paranormalnext
: not scientifically explainable : supernatural
paranormal noun
paranormality
ˌper-ə-ˌnȯr-ˈma-lə-tē How to pronounce paranormal (audio)
ˌpa-rə-
noun
paranormally
ˌper-ə-ˈnȯr-mə-lē How to pronounce paranormal (audio)
ˌpa-rə-;
ˈper-ə-ˌnȯr-, 
ˈpa-rə-
adverb

Synonyms of paranormal

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Examples of paranormal in a Sentence

there are rumors that the old deserted mansion is the site of paranormal activity
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
There's immediate signs of paranormal capabilities that nobody, Carrie included, have a handle on. — David Hookstead Outkick, FOXNews.com, 14 Oct. 2026 This comes after Radial in March bought the New Dominion catalog, comprising more than 600 hours of content in the true crime, investigation and paranormal genres. — Jesse Whittock, Deadline, 11 Oct. 2026 Their paranormal intervention involves Dichen Lachman as Lois Anthony, in a role best described as Chris Hansen for ghosts. — Alison Foreman, IndieWire, 9 Oct. 2026 In other words, if a buyer directly asks, the seller must provide honest information about any deaths, hauntings or paranormal activity on the property. — Sacbee.com, 8 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for paranormal

Word History

First Known Use

1905, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of paranormal was in 1905

Phrases Containing paranormal

Rhymes for paranormal

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Browse Nearby Words

paranomia
paranormal
paranotum
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Cite this Entry

“Paranormal.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/paranormal. Accessed 20 Oct. 2026.

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Medical Definition

paranormal

adjective
para·​nor·​mal ˌpar-ə-ˈnȯr-məl How to pronounce paranormal (audio)
: not understandable in terms of known scientific laws and phenomena
experiments in paranormal cognition of drawings—Psychological Abstracts
paranormally
-ē How to pronounce paranormal (audio)
adverb
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