1
as in extraordinary
being out of the ordinary
an editor with a preternatural sense of what will interest the book-buying public
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in supernatural
of, relating to, or being part of a reality beyond the observable physical universe
an investigator of preternatural phenomena
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in superhuman
being so extraordinary or abnormal as to suggest powers which violate the laws of nature
a preternatural ability to predict how the stock market will perform
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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.
Recent Examples of preternatural
Megadeth was fueled by spite, inspired by speed, and enabled by Mustaine’s preternatural gift for Flying V warfare, as well as his knack for asking provocative economic queries about the salability of peace.
—
Eli Enis, Pitchfork, 26 Jan. 2026
Though his language is that of the every day his preternatural instinct for rhythm fills his lines with a bursting musicality.
—Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 6 Jan. 2026
There was some hope that Brosmer, who parlayed a combination of accuracy and preternatural processing skills into a roster spot out of training camp, might surprise everyone by running an efficient ship on Sunday.
—John Shipley, Twin Cities, 1 Dec. 2025
The most straightforward way to account for this preternatural smoothness is a period of inflation that provides time for the baby universe to reach a uniform temperature.
—Stephanie Pappas, Scientific American, 27 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for preternatural
Eli Enis, Pitchfork, 26 Jan. 2026
Though his language is that of the every day his preternatural instinct for rhythm fills his lines with a bursting musicality.
—Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 6 Jan. 2026
There was some hope that Brosmer, who parlayed a combination of accuracy and preternatural processing skills into a roster spot out of training camp, might surprise everyone by running an efficient ship on Sunday.
—John Shipley, Twin Cities, 1 Dec. 2025
The most straightforward way to account for this preternatural smoothness is a period of inflation that provides time for the baby universe to reach a uniform temperature.
—Stephanie Pappas, Scientific American, 27 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for preternatural
Recent Examples of Synonyms for preternatural
Adjective
-
Her credits this decade include a complex and crucial supporting part in Mare of Easttown, an Emmy-winning guest appearance on Hacks, a turn opposite Nicolas Cage in Dream Scenario, and a starring role in Annie Baker’s extraordinary indie film Janet Planet.—
Keith Phipps,
Vulture,
30 Mar. 2026
-
Nyad is an extraordinary example, but researchers say a positive attitude is key.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
30 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
Adapted from Algernon Blackwood’s supernatural novella, The Man Whom the Trees Loved is a ghostly tale of the inexplicable horrors of nature.—
Matthew Carey,
Deadline,
31 Mar. 2026
-
There's also aliens or monsters or some other supernatural entity out to get them.—
Kelly Lawler,
USA Today,
30 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
One comic gimmick involves Appa’s superhuman grip that can subdue even the mightiest of men.—
Theater Critic,
Los Angeles Times,
27 Mar. 2026
-
The suit stated that Figure AI’s next-generation robots moved at superhuman speed and generated force approximately twice the level necessary to fracture an adult human skull.—
Dylan Butts,
CNBC,
26 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
When a series of tragic failures at New Era Community Health Center left scores of the county’s weakest, poorest and most erratic residents in danger, Florida health inspectors took the unusual step of threatening to shut down the home.—
Carol Marbin Miller,
Miami Herald,
2 Apr. 2026
-
Many of Barbosa’s followers know him for his unusual feats like holding the Guinness World Record for the fastest visits to every CTA station or sprinting through the United Center during a Bulls game.—
Audrey Pachuta,
Chicago Tribune,
2 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
Olivia Simon, United States, 2025, WORLD PREMIERE Trapped alone in a haunted room, a paranormal researcher’s experiment goes horrifically wrong.—
William Earl,
Variety,
25 Mar. 2026
-
The film following a pair of paranormal podcasters (Nina Kiri and Adam DiMarco) who stumble upon a disturbing set of recordings.—
Ryan Coleman,
Entertainment Weekly,
16 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
Yet, Tory Burch has always had the uncanny ability to peer into the future and unlock our unconscious desires.—
Vogue,
Vogue,
30 Mar. 2026
-
The Nuggets’ forwards have an uncanny habit of getting hurt all at once.—
Bennett Durando,
Denver Post,
30 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
The dim sum at Yan Ting, the Cantonese restaurant, is exceptional, each dumpling a small, perfect bite.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
1 Apr. 2026
-
However, the company says the bike offers exceptional range and ultra-fast charging.—
Jijo Malayil,
Interesting Engineering,
1 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
To the victim, a transcendental thief is still a thief.—
Anthony Lane,
New Yorker,
22 Mar. 2026
-
There are some proactive stress management techniques that the ACC endorses, including transcendental meditation and yoga.—
Mara Gordon,
NPR,
17 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Preternatural.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/preternatural. Accessed 6 Apr. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
