preternatural
Eerily beyond ordinary
Preternatural describes something beyond what is normal or natural, but not quite supernatural.
Where supernatural suggests divine or magical origins, preternatural implies extraordinary qualities that exceed ordinary limits while remaining somehow within nature: preternatural calm, preternatural intelligence, a preternatural ability to sense danger.
The word often carries an unsettling edge—something uncanny rather than miraculous.
Concealed from view
- arcaneUnderstood by few
- mysticalOf hidden spiritual significance
- metaphysicalBeyond the material realm
- otherworldlySeemingly not earthly
unearthly · transcendent · ethereal · paranormal · spectral · ghostly · clairvoyance · divination
Eerily beyond normal
- unsettlingCausing unease or discomfort
- chillingCausing fear or cold
- disquietingCausing unease or worry
- unnervingCausing loss of composure
creepy · sinister · ominous · foreboding · ghostly · spectral · haunting · macabre
Worthy of attention
- phenomenalExceptionally impressive or unusual
- exceptionalNotably above the norm
- prodigiousExtraordinarily great in extent
- astonishingCausing great wonder
singular · anomalous · unusual · uncommon · striking · incredible · stupendous · marvelous
Puzzling and obscure
- inscrutableImpossible to understand
- inexplicableCannot be accounted for
- unfathomableBeyond comprehension or measurement
- crypticObscure in meaning
unknowable · perplexing · baffling · mystifying · obscure · impenetrable · veiled · hidden
occult
Concealed from view
- arcaneUnderstood by few
- mysticalOf hidden spiritual significance
- metaphysicalBeyond the material realm
otherworldly · unearthly · transcendent · ethereal · paranormal · spectral · ghostly · clairvoyance · divination · sorcery
uncanny
Eerily beyond normal
- unsettlingCausing unease or discomfort
- chillingCausing fear or cold
- disquietingCausing unease or worry
unnerving · creepy · sinister · ominous · foreboding · ghostly · spectral · haunting · macabre · ghoulish
remarkable
Worthy of attention
- phenomenalExceptionally impressive or unusual
- exceptionalNotably above the norm
- prodigiousExtraordinarily great in extent
astonishing · singular · anomalous · unusual · uncommon · striking · incredible · stupendous · marvelous · superhuman
enigmatic
Puzzling and obscure
- inscrutableImpossible to understand
- inexplicableCannot be accounted for
- unfathomableBeyond comprehension or measurement
cryptic · unknowable · perplexing · baffling · mystifying · obscure · impenetrable · veiled · hidden · secret
- Mysticalethereal, otherworldly, numinous, transcendent, ineffable
- strangenessodd, weird, strange, bizarre, peculiar
preternaturalunremarkable
Not worthy of comment
commonplace · unexceptional · prosaic · run-of-the-mill · garden-variety