sublime

verb

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 & Antonyms 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

While the TEB seemed like an awesome idea on paper, most of its advantages sublimed under scrutiny. — Sebastian Anthony, Ars Technica, "China’s crazy car-straddling elevated bus is just a giant scam, police say," 5 July 2017 This dish is sublimely simple to make and sublime to eat. — Susan Russo, sandiegouniontribune.com, "Fresh ways to mind your peas," 2 May 2017

Recent Examples on the Web: Adjective

Col Solare 2015 malbec, Red Mountain, $85: Another sublime malbec from Red Mountain, loaded with dark fruit and backed with knee-buckling structure. — Andy Perdue, The Seattle Times, "DeLille Cellars’ 2015 Harrison Hill is Andy Perdue’s Wine of the Year," 26 Oct. 2018 Mitigate those risks and the sonic rewards are sublime. — John Clarke, WSJ, "Addicted to Audio: Why Music Obsessives Blow Their 401Ks Chasing Down Vintage Gear," 18 Oct. 2018 Even though the main focus here is the wine, the food is also sublime. — Sarah Khan, Condé Nast Traveler, "3 Best Day Trips From Cape Town," 14 Sep. 2018 In Brazil's visit to Austria, Neymar produced another sublime piece of skill on route to his second goal in as many games since his return from injury. — Juan Pimiento, chicagotribune.com, "Teams arrive in Russia, Vieira leaves NYCFC and the best of the soccer weekend," 10 June 2018 But what makes this exhibition so intriguing is not the sublime but a counter-sublime, turning us away from landscape and toward a melancholic message sounded within it, implicated by figures seen, human and animal: the Indian and the bison. — Edward Rothstein, WSJ, "‘Albert Bierstadt: Witness to a Changing West’ Review: Where the Sublime Joins the Melancholy," 25 June 2018 Don't forget his sublime pass to Griezmann before the striker was fouled - earning the penalty which gave the French the lead. — SI.com, "Twitter Reacts as Paul Pogba and VAR Take Over France's Win Against Australia," 16 June 2018 Pavard scored a sublime goal in Les Bleus' victory over Argentina to reach the quarter-finals of the World Cup, and he's been integral to France only conceding four goals in the tournament so far. — SI.com, "Bayern Munich Preparing Big Money Move for French World Cup Star Benjamin Pavard Next Summer," 4 July 2018 Golden State couldn’t match its opponent’s energy, wasting another sublime performance from Kevin Durant, who scored 38 points on a series of absurd shots. — Rohan Nadkarni, SI.com, "P.J. Tucker and Houston's Role Players Step Up as the Rockets Demolish the Warriors," 17 May 2018

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.