paranormal
Americanadjective
adjective
noun
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of paranormal
Explanation
Use the adjective paranormal to talk about things that are outside of normal experience, like ESP, ghosts, and UFOs. You might describe your friend's uncanny ability to bend spoons with her mind as paranormal, or beyond a scientific explanation. While many people don't believe in any kind of paranormal events, there are those who see or hear things they can't explain rationally. The Greek word para, "against, or contrary to," is paired up with normal: if it goes against what's normal, you can probably describe it as paranormal.
Vocabulary lists containing paranormal
Friday the 13th
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Trowbridge Road
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Paola Santiago and the River of Tears
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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.
There’s also a reporter named Clarence Thomas Jr., an ex-country music star with a White House job, and the titular pro wrestler, who might have paranormal powers.
From Los Angeles Times • May 12, 2026
“I wouldn’t say I was a skeptic,” said Rhys of his mindset toward the paranormal before his castle experience.
From The Wall Street Journal • May 11, 2026
Later in the video, other members of Rivera’s group chime in, adding they intend to complete the tour to honor famed paranormal investigators Ed and Lorraine Warren, who inspired “The Conjuring” franchise.
From Los Angeles Times • Sep. 5, 2025
And last year, the Tasmanian tourist board posted "adverts" for jobs including wallaby walker and paranormal investigator, in a bid to encourage more tourism to the island during the off-season.
From BBC • May 16, 2025
“Oh God, Charlie, she’s letting you read again! You went straight to the paranormal section, didn’t you?”
From "Made You Up" by Francesca Zappia
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.
