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 adverb
supernaturalness noun

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.
With time skips and eerie supernatural occurrences, this show continues to be a fan favorite for a reason. Taylor Grothe, Parents, 4 July 2026 Through Latin and early Christian usage, the word took on its modern sense of an evil supernatural spirit. Erik Kain, Forbes.com, 8 July 2026 In that sense, the ultraviolence is reframed not as spectacle but as a kind of ancient supernatural force compelled to intrude upon ordinary human grief. Alison Foreman, IndieWire, 8 July 2026 Wynonna, with help from her younger sister, the town’s sheriff and an infamous Wild West gunslinger, must save her hometown from demons and other supernatural creatures. Emily Weaver, PEOPLE, 5 July 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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Supernatural.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/supernatural. Accessed 10 Jul. 2026.

Kids Definition

supernatural

adjective
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

More from Merriam-Webster on supernatural

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!