supernaturalism

[ soo-per-nach-er-uh-liz-uhm, -nach-ruh-liz-uhm ]

noun

1. supernatural character or agency.
2. belief in the doctrine of supernatural or divine agency as manifested in the world, in human events, religious revelation, etc.

supernaturalism

/ -ˈnætʃərə-; ˌsuːpəˈnætʃrəlɪzəm /

noun

1. the quality or condition of being supernatural
2. a supernatural agency, the effects of which are felt to be apparent in this world
3. belief in supernatural forces or agencies as producing effects in this world

Derived Forms

• ˌsuperˈnaturalist, nounadjective
• ˌsuperˌnaturalˈistic, adjective

Other Words From

• super·natu·ral·ist noun adjective
• super·natu·ral·istic adjective
• anti·super·natur·al·ism noun
• anti·super·natur·al·ist noun adjective
• anti·super·natur·al·istic adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of supernaturalism¹

First recorded in 1790–1800; supernatural + -ism

Example Sentences

Capturing that movement required a fusion of political didacticism, unabashed melodrama, stage supernaturalism and sitcom beats.

From New York Times

More and more, nontheists are asking how they can create similar spiritual communities without the supernaturalism.

From Salon

They strike up a friendship tinged with elements of fairy-tale supernaturalism, magical realism and time travel.

From New York Times

Murakami’s new stories expound on memory’s power to shape us, incorporating confessional musings and touches of his signature supernaturalism: Charlie Parker speaks to us in a dream, a monkey with a strange compulsion comes clean.

From New York Times

The film follows the Irish folklore paths of Moore’s previous Oscar-nominated features, “Secret of the Kells” and “Song of the Sea,” echoing his keen interest in ancient fables, supernaturalism and shapeshifting duality.

From Los Angeles Times