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

Other Word Forms

• miraculousness noun
• miraculously adverb
• hypermiraculous adjective
• hypermiraculousness noun
• nonmiraculous adjective
• nonmiraculousness noun
• pseudomiraculous adjective
• quasi-miraculous adjective
• unmiraculous 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

Today, he is among those who do not see the war as a miraculous chance to transform the country.

From BBC

How many times have we cheered on the ragtag baseball team, the minor league hopeful, the plucky semi-pro squad that emerges from the shadows with a miraculous ascent?

From Salon

Travel writers praised the region’s moderate temperatures and lack of humidity — dry, but not too dry — and described its healthful effects as almost miraculous.

From Los Angeles Times

It would take something miraculous for India to avoid defeat in Manchester and with three days off after this, there is little time for recovery before the fifth Test either.

From BBC

A miraculous Kriegenburg production of Wagner’s “Ring” followed in which characters and the chorus became the scenery.

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 

When To Use

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.