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.
Directed by Kei Oikawa and adapted from the popular manga by Nagano, the fantasy feature follows the titular character and companions venturing to a remote island retreat before unraveling a supernatural peril. — Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 12 Oct. 2026 In October even the most skeptical among us starts to turn toward supernatural. — Elle Turner, Glamour, 10 Oct. 2026 But after a while, the lack of grounding gets tiring, as various supernatural shenanigans appear to be determined more by plot convenience than anything else. — Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 9 Oct. 2026 What begins with the promise of something genuinely nightmarish gradually deteriorates into a disappointingly conventional, occasionally laughable supernatural exercise. — James Hibberd, HollywoodReporter, 8 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 14 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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