sublime

verb

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sub·lime | \ sə-ˈblīm

sublimed; subliming

Definition of sublime

(Entry 1 of 2)

transitive verb

1 : to cause to pass directly from the solid to the vapor state and condense back to solid form

2 [French sublimer, from Latin sublimare]

a(1) : to elevate or exalt especially in dignity or honor

(2) : to render finer (as in purity or excellence)

b : to convert (something inferior) into something of higher worth

intransitive verb

: to pass directly from the solid to the vapor state

sublime

adjective

sub·lime | \ sə-ˈblīm

sublimer; sublimest

Definition of sublime (Entry 2 of 2)

1a : lofty, grand, or exalted in thought, expression, or manner

b : of outstanding spiritual, intellectual, or moral worth

c : tending to inspire awe usually because of elevated quality (as of beauty, nobility, or grandeur) or transcendent excellence

2a archaic : high in place

b obsolete : lofty of mien : haughty

c capitalized : supreme —used in a style of address

d : complete, utter sublime ignorance

Other Words from sublime Synonyms Choose the Right Synonym Sublime vs. Sublimate Example Sentences Learn More About sublime

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Other Words from sublime

Verb

sublimable \ sə-ˈblī-mə-bəl

\ adjective

sublimer noun

Adjective

sublimely adverb

sublimeness noun

Choose the Right Synonym for sublime

Adjective

splendid, resplendent, gorgeous, glorious, sublime, superb mean extraordinarily or transcendently impressive. splendid implies outshining the usual or customary. the wedding was a splendid occasion resplendent suggests a glowing or blazing splendor. resplendent in her jewelry gorgeous implies a rich splendor especially in display of color. a gorgeous red dress glorious suggests radiance that heightens beauty or distinction. a glorious sunset sublime implies an exaltation or elevation almost beyond human comprehension. a vision of sublime beauty superb suggests an excellence reaching the highest conceivable degree. her singing was superb

Sublime vs. Sublimate

At first glance, the question of whether sublime and sublimate are related might seem like an easy one to answer, as they appear to come from the same source. However, the most common senses in which each of these words is used today are dissimilar enough to give pause. The two words are indeed related, and in some senses are in fact synonymous. Both share the meaning “to cause to pass directly from the solid to the vapor state and condense back to solid form,” although this is not widely used except among chemists. Sublime was first used as a verb with the above meaning, and after a century or two of such use took on the adjectival role in which it is often found today (“the concert was a sublime experience”). Sublimate has had several meanings as a verb (including “to elevate to a place of honor” and “to give a more elevated character to”) before coming to its common meaning today, which is “to divert the expression of (an instinctual desire or impulse) from its unacceptable form to one that is considered more socially or culturally acceptable.”

Examples of sublime in a Sentence

Verb … models indicate that frost in most of the southern hemisphere is currently subliming, thinning the surface deposits. — William B. McKinnon et al., Encyclopedia Of The Solar System, 1999 The cursory remarks of the large-minded stranger, of whom he knew absolutely nothing beyond a commonplace name, were sublimed by his death, and influenced Clare more than all the reasoned ethics of the philosophers. — Thomas Hardy, Tess of the D'Urbervilles, 1891 Adjective New Orleans is not just a list of attractions or restaurants or ceremonies, no matter how sublime and subtle. New Orleans is the interaction among all those things, and countless more. — Tom Piazza, Why New Orleans Matters, 2005 Judging by the satisfied look that settles on both men's faces, the meal was sublime. — Kathleen Brennan, Saveur, November 2004 Even when he is paying homage to her sublime beauty, he cannot resist inserting himself as the man responsible for unleashing that beauty's potency. — Zoë Heller, New Republic, 21 May 2001 He composed some of the most sublime symphonies in existence. the sublime beauty of the canyon

Recent Examples on the Web: Verb Imprinted in the light of these wisps of subliming vapor are the fingerprints of a comet’s chemical composition. — Quanta Magazine, 29 Jan. 2020 Next, the ice will sublime out of them—that’s when water goes straight from ice to gas without turning to liquid first, remember? — Kevin Dupzyk, Popular Mechanics, 8 Nov. 2018 While the TEB seemed like an awesome idea on paper, most of its advantages sublimed under scrutiny. — Sebastian Anthony, Ars Technica, 5 July 2017 This dish is sublimely simple to make and sublime to eat. — Susan Russo, sandiegouniontribune.com, 2 May 2017 Recent Examples on the Web: Adjective The Atlantic’s sublime audio documentary from last year, in which journalist Vann R. Newkirk II revisited another Bush-era catastrophe: the botched response to Hurricane Katrina. — Nicholas Quah, Vulture, 7 June 2021 The Blue and White fandom won’t stomach dealing Matthews ($11.6 million) or Marner ($10.9 million), two sublime offensive talents. — BostonGlobe.com, 5 June 2021 There are also head-scratching moments involving knitting needles, a rubber chicken and a pool float, but the sense of play is infectious and the singing is sublime. — San Diego Union-Tribune, 26 Apr. 2021 The views are sublime, as the home is situated on a ridge on a peninsula. — Emma Reynolds, Forbes, 28 May 2021 The setup may have been well-worn, but the punch line was sublime. — Elizabeth Logan, Glamour, 13 May 2021 Colter’s designs and use of stone in harmony with the natural surroundings are sublime — none more so than one of our last stops, the Desert View Watchtower, a 23-mile drive east from Grand Canyon Village. — Washington Post, 30 Apr. 2021 It’s at the furthest point of the Secret Bay promontory, giving it sublime privacy and 180-degree views over the Caribbean Sea and the island’s mountain peaks. — Ann Abel, Forbes, 17 May 2021 The game is, for the most part, a sublime seafaring sequel. — Lewis Gordon, Wired, 15 May 2021

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'sublime.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.