paranormal

adjective

para·​nor·​mal ˌper-ə-ˈnȯr-məl 

ˌpa-rə-;

ˈper-ə-ˌnȯr-,

ˈpa-rə-

: not scientifically explainable : supernatural

paranormal noun

paranormality

ˌper-ə-ˌnȯr-ˈma-lə-tē 

ˌpa-rə-

noun

paranormally

ˌper-ə-ˈnȯr-mə-lē 

ˌpa-rə-;

ˈper-ə-ˌnȯr-

ˈpa-rə-

adverb

Synonyms

• metaphysical
• otherworldly
• preternatural
• supernatural
• transcendent
• transcendental
• unearthly

Examples of paranormal in a Sentence

there are rumors that the old deserted mansion is the site of paranormal activity

Recent Examples on the Web

Both versions delivered a skillful cocktail of laughs and scares without true paranormal activity. —Anupama Chopra, The Hollywood Reporter, 5 Nov. 2024

That would be interesting, given that Briggs is a key locus of paranormal activity on Lynch and Frost’s show. —Katie Rife, Vulture, 5 Nov. 2024

San Francisco and its neighboring cities are well known among ghost hunters as a hub for paranormal activity. —Shawna Chen, Axios, 30 Oct. 2024

The asylum is considered by locals as one of the most haunted places in Taiwan due to its recurring paranormal activities. —Patrick Frater, Variety, 28 Oct. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1905, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing paranormal

• the paranormal

Medical Definition

paranormal

adjective

para·​nor·​mal ˌpar-ə-ˈnȯr-məl 

: not understandable in terms of known scientific laws and phenomena

experiments in paranormal cognition of drawings

—Psychological Abstracts

paranormally

-ē 

adverb