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 of paranormal

• supernatural
• metaphysical
• transcendental

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

Their paranormal intervention involves Dichen Lachman as Lois Anthony, in a role best described as Chris Hansen for ghosts. — Alison Foreman, IndieWire, 9 Oct. 2026

In other words, if a buyer directly asks, the seller must provide honest information about any deaths, hauntings or paranormal activity on the property. — Sacbee.com, 8 Oct. 2026

Produced by James Wan and directed by Rob Savage, the campy horror film revolves around a paranormal entity who takes on the appearance of a young girl’s mother and begins haunting their home. — Rebecca Rubin, Variety, 7 Oct. 2026

This fiendishly fun romp puts the spotlight on Whihala the Witch and her ring of dancing circle sister witches, as well as fire-eaters, costume contests, games, food, paranormal investigations and scary displays. — Philip Potempa, Chicago Tribune, 1 Oct. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1905, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing paranormal

• the paranormal

Rhymes for paranormal

• orthonormal
• supernormal
• abnormal
• conformal
• informal
• lognormal
• subnormal
• formal
• formyl

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