English · Word Candidate

supernatural

/ˌs(j)uː.pəˈnæ.tʃə.ɹəl/

Proposed by a contributor, not yet supported by evidence.

Also seen as: supernaturals

Sense 1

Meaning · English

Above nature; beyond or added to nature, often so considered because it is given by a deity or some force beyond that with which humans are born.

Adjective

Examples

Near-synonym: paranatural

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Sense 2

Meaning · English

Not of the usual; not natural; altered by forces that are not understood fully, if at all.

Adjective

Examples

Near-synonym: paranatural

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Sense 3

Meaning · English

A supernatural being

Noun

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Sense 4

Meaning · English

Supernatural beings and events collectively (when used with definite article: "the supernatural")

Noun

Examples

Dr Johnson defended Shakespeare's use of the supernatural from the charge of implausibility on the grounds that, "The reality of witchcraft … has in all ages and countries been credited by the common people, and in most by the learned."

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Common questions

What does “supernatural” mean?

Above nature; beyond or added to nature, often so considered because it is given by a deity or some force beyond that with which humans are born.

Is “supernatural” formal or informal?

No register label has been reviewed yet — treat it as neutral and check the usage notes above.