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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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, "The Age of Interstellar Visitors," 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, "How to Freeze-Dry Food," 8 Nov. 2018 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 Biting into a soft pretzel is a sublime experience that usually happens at a fair, on a boardwalk or while wandering the streets of New York City. — Naveen Kumar, CNN Underscored, "How to make your favorite boardwalk snacks at home," 3 July 2020 Reap’s burgeoning culinary scene in sublime style, book the hotel’s Khmer culinary journey. — Alexandra Kirkman, Fortune, "This newly revamped luxury hotel is the best reason to visit Siem Reap this year," 1 July 2020 Talia Hibbert continues her Brown sisters series with this sublime fake relationship tale that lays bare romantic insecurities and the healing properties of trying your best. — Maureen Lee Lenker, EW.com, "Hot Stuff: June romances embrace the inherent sexiness of faking it," 30 June 2020 Hidden Valley was equally sublime and in superb condition. — Paul Daugherty, The Enquirer, "Doc's Morning Line: This MLB season will purely be about entertainment," 29 June 2020 The game is too enjoyable, too sublime, to be stewing about such things — then or ever. — Bruce Jenkins, SFChronicle.com, "Farewell MadBum ABs — universal DH may leap from experiment to permanence," 25 June 2020 Anae’s hand technique is sublime and his footwork isn’t far behind. — John Owning, Dallas News, "Film room: 3 Cowboys rookies who will outperform their draft slot, including the potential steal of the entire 2020 class," 24 June 2020 The idea that a symbolic order at once mathematical, emotive and bewildering – the sublime force called language – surfs the absolute mystery of nature, of things in themselves, brought to mind my old z-19. — 1843, "The internet, mon amour," 19 June 2020 Some 1,600 people reserved tickets in advance to see the Sistine Chapel and its sublime walls and ceilings on the first day the Vatican Museums opened to the public after a three-month coronavirus shutdown. — Raf Casert And Peter Dejong, USA TODAY, "Famed European museums begin to reopen from the coronavirus shutdown: 'A day to celebrate'," 2 June 2020

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.