supernatural

adjective

su·​per·​nat·​u·​ral ˌsü-pər-ˈna-chə-rəl How to pronounce supernatural (audio)
-ˈnach-rəl
Synonyms of supernatural
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 How to pronounce supernatural (audio)
-ˈnach-rə-, 
-ˈna-chər-lē
adverb
supernaturalness noun

Synonyms of supernatural

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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
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.
As dark occurrences begin to shatter the quiet of their isolated home, the boy is forced to navigate a harrowing psychological nightmare where the line between real-world madness and supernatural terror blurs. — Melanie Goodfellow, Deadline, 1 Sep. 2026 The sequel ratchets up the stakes by saddling its cursed protagonist with not only a supernatural nightmare but the pressures of living under an intensely public spotlight. — Brianna Zigler, Entertainment Weekly, 1 Sep. 2026 The term suggests supernatural gifts despite formal ignorance. — Laura Preston, New Yorker, 30 Aug. 2026 For some interpreters, the gods’ superhuman forms are a sign for Hindus to acknowledge the power of these supernatural beings. — Charles Preston, Encyclopedia Britannica, 28 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for supernatural

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of supernatural was in the 15th century

Phrases Containing supernatural

Rhymes for supernatural

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Browse Nearby Words

supernationalist
supernatural
supernaturalism
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Cite this Entry

“Supernatural.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/supernatural. Accessed 4 Sep. 2026.

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Kids Definition

supernatural

adjective
su·​per·​nat·​u·​ral ˌsü-pər-ˈnach-(ə-)rəl How to pronounce supernatural (audio)
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 How to pronounce supernatural (audio)
-ˈnach-ər-lē
adverb
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