miraculous
Americanadjective
-
performed by or involving a supernatural power or agency.
a miraculous cure.
-
of the nature of a miracle; marvelous.
- Synonyms:
- extraordinary
-
having or seeming to have the power to work miracles.
miraculous drugs.
adjective
-
of, like, or caused by a miracle; marvellous
-
surprising
-
having the power to work miracles
Usage
What does miraculous mean? Miraculous is used to describe something done by or involving a supernatural power, as in Rising from the dead is a miraculous feat!This sense of miraculous is frequently limited to religious use. In many faiths, something being miraculous implies an action of a deity. However, some people believe that something can be miraculous due to the forces of nature. Miraculous is also used figuratively to describe something whose working isn’t well understood or whose results are exceptionally wonderful. It appears to work by miracle, that is, an action by a deity. You might hear medicines or cures described as miraculous because they seem to work by miracle or the results are so wonderful, like the results of a miracle would be. Example: The acquisition went through miraculously and everyone got what they wanted.
Synonym Usage
Miraculous, preternatural, supernatural refer to that which seems to transcend the laws of nature. Miraculous refers to something that apparently contravenes known laws governing the universe: a miraculous success. Preternatural suggests the possession of supernormal qualities: Dogs have a preternatural sense of smell. It may also mean supernatural: Elves are preternatural beings. Supernatural suggests divine or superhuman properties: supernatural aid in battle.
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of miraculous
First recorded in 1400–50; late Middle English, from Medieval Latin mīrāculōsus, equivalent to Latin mīrācul(um) miracle + -ōsus -ous
Explanation
A miraculous occurrence can be providential or heaven-sent, or just peculiarly fortunate and appropriate. In any event, as the word suggests, it has the character of a miracle. The adjective miraculous has origins in the Latin word miraculum, meaning "object of wonder." It's often used to describe religious happenings, such as a direct answer to one's prayer. In a more secular context, a "miraculous comeback" is when a football team that's down by 30 points at halftime ends up winning the Super Bowl.
Vocabulary lists containing miraculous
The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane
Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!
"The Tempest," Vocabulary from Acts 1 and 2
Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!
"Musée des Beaux Arts" by W.H. Auden
Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
But a WhatsApp message ignited hopes of a miraculous find beneath the rubble, more than 120 hours after the disaster.
From Barron's ● Jun. 29, 2026
Mexico, which won on a fluke goal and two miraculous saves, stands virtually no chance of beating soccer titans like France and Argentina once the knockout stage of the World Cup begins.
From Los Angeles Times ● Jun. 19, 2026
News of his miraculous survival made international headlines and sent shockwaves throughout the mountaineering community.
From BBC ● Jun. 10, 2026
Honestly, you are in your 60s at this point, and I don’t see your husband going through a miraculous change through marital or even private therapy.
From MarketWatch ● Jun. 6, 2026
Normally at this time of year, the Wood should be dotted with them, and the sight of this solitary blossom was almost as saddening as it was miraculous.
From "Huntress" by Malinda Lo
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
