miraculous

[ mi-rak-yuh-luhs ]

adjective

1. performed by or involving a supernatural power or agency:

   a miraculous cure.

2. of the nature of a miracle; marvelous.

   Synonyms: extraordinary

3. having or seeming to have the power to work miracles:

   miraculous drugs.

miraculous

/ mɪˈrækjʊləs /

adjective

1. of, like, or caused by a miracle; marvellous
2. surprising
3. having the power to work miracles

Derived Forms

• miˈraculousness, noun
• miˈraculously, adverb

Other Words From

• mi·rac·u·lous·ly adverb
• mi·rac·u·lous·ness noun
• hy·per·mi·rac·u·lous adjective
• hy·per·mi·rac·u·lous·ness noun
• non·mi·rac·u·lous adjective
• non·mi·rac·u·lous·ness noun
• pseu·do·mi·rac·u·lous adjective
• qua·si-mi·rac·u·lous adjective
• un·mi·rac·u·lous adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of miraculous¹

First recorded in 1400–50; late Middle English, from Medieval Latin mīrāculōsus, equivalent to Latin mīrācul(um) miracle + -ōsus -ous

Synonym Study

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.

Example Sentences

In 2012, Washington starred in “Flight,” a film about an alcoholic airline pilot whose drinking habits are thrust into the spotlight after a miraculous emergency landing renders him a hero.

From Los Angeles Times

Then, on a mad-dash scramble to his right, Maiava threw up a downfield prayer to Duce Robinson, who came back to the ball for a miraculous reception.

From Los Angeles Times

Those are the kinds of miraculous advances Musk’s Neuralink startup has been trying to achieve.

From Los Angeles Times

Ever since the Dodgers’ miraculous comeback victory Wednesday night, some of L.A.

From Los Angeles Times

Ultimately, both her parents returned to her life through a nearly miraculous series of events best enjoyed without spoilers.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• amazing
• astonishing
• astounding
• awesome
• extraordinary
• freakish
• incredible
• inexplicable
• magical
• marvelous
• monstrous
• phenomenal
• spectacular
• strange
• superhuman
• supernatural
• unbelievable
• unreal
• wondrous

More About Miraculous

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.

Where does miraculous come from?

The first records of the term miraculous come from the 1400s. It comes from the Medieval Latin mīrāculōsus.

Miraculous, preternatural, and supernatural all describe something that seems to exceed natural laws. Miraculous is used to describe something that naturally, or unnaturally, goes beyond what was once thought possible in a certain field or situation. This is why many people use miraculous to describe medical treatments, because the advancement of medical technology routinely creates solutions for problems that were once unsolvable.

Did you know … ?

What are some other forms related to miraculous?

• miraculously (adverb)
• miraculousness (noun)
• hypermiraculous (adjective)

What are some synonyms for miraculous?

• astounding
• extraordinary
• incredible
• supernatural

What are some words that share a root or word element with miraculous? 

• miracle
• mirage
• miraculous fruit

What are some words that often get used in discussing miraculous?

• drug
• event
• special
• supernatural
• wonder

How is miraculous used in real life?

Miraculous is usually used within the context of being awed at something or with a sense of amazement. But, it can also be used facetiously when something is actually underwhelming.

We were on earth at the same time as Stephen Hawking.

That's kind of a miraculous thing.

We breathed the same air as the man who demystified the stars.

— Geraldine (@everywhereist) March 14, 2018

This is the point where Air Bud subs in for the Broncos and the miraculous comeback begins

— Jimmy Tatro (@JimmyTatro) February 3, 2014

Just helped carry a fridge down some steep stairs without killing my brother or myself!! Miraculous 👼

— Phil Lester (@AmazingPhil) August 2, 2014

 

Try using miraculous!

Which of the following is NOT a synonym for miraculous?

A. extraordinary
B. supernatural
C. ordinary
D. incredible