superstitious

adjective

su·​per·​sti·​tious ˌsü-pər-ˈsti-shəs How to pronounce superstitious (audio)
: of, relating to, or swayed by superstition
a superstitious ritual
superstitiously adverb

Examples of superstitious in a Sentence

He's very superstitious and won't pitch without his lucky mitt.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The sight had activated an ancient and superstitious circuit in my brain that insisted the sun simply shouldn't look this way. — Anthony Wood, Space.com, 26 Aug. 2026 From minimalist packers to superstitious flyers, many celebrities have been open about developing travel rituals that are uniquely their own. — Aya Al-Hakim, PEOPLE, 23 Aug. 2026 In fact, some of the earliest high-rises constructed on the eve of the 20th century had not yet accounted for the superstitious numerology that’s so commonplace today. — Kat Chen, Condé Nast Traveler, 11 Aug. 2026 Instead, like the Boston Red Sox and the ‘Curse of the Bambino‘, Mayo’s long years of heartbreak come wrapped in a cloud of superstitious folklore. — Conor O'Neill, New York Times, 27 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for superstitious

Word History

Etymology

Middle English supersticious, from Anglo-French supersticius, from Latin superstitiosus, from superstitio

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of superstitious was in the 15th century

Rhymes for superstitious

See All Rhymes for superstitious

Browse Nearby Words

Superstition Mountains
superstitious
superstitious use
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Superstitious.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/superstitious. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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Kids Definition

superstitious

adjective
su·​per·​sti·​tious ˌsü-pər-ˈstish-əs How to pronounce superstitious (audio)
: of, relating to, or influenced by superstition
superstitiously adverb
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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