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.
Surprise, surprise, the crime had a supernatural basis—and is linked to a number of others, all brutally depicted in reels of film left in his attic. — Eve Batey, Vanity Fair, 16 Oct. 2026 Rather than relying on supernatural creatures or elaborate mythology, Fears to Fathom builds suspense around seemingly ordinary situations that take increasingly terrifying turns. — Denise Petski, Deadline, 16 Oct. 2026 The story is elevated by its weird and lovely illustrations of spiders on strike, forest creatures both natural and supernatural, and a bog that is always, always watching. — Literary Hub, 15 Oct. 2026 The Bellflower Chemical plotline is supremely silly, offering up a sloppy sci-fi explanation for Jason’s supernatural staying power. — Louis Peitzman, Vulture, 15 Oct. 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

See All Rhymes for supernatural

Browse Nearby Words

supernationalist
supernatural
supernaturalism
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Supernatural.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/supernatural. Accessed 20 Oct. 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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