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 Phrases Containing sublime Learn More About sublime

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 See More

Recent Examples on the Web: Verb Each one of them was the historical equivalent of a chemical phase change—when water, say, grows hot enough to sublime into steam or cold enough to harden into ice. — Jeffrey Kluger, Time, 11 July 2021 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 show’s selection of music and needle drops has always been sublime. — Scott Huver, The Hollywood Reporter, 7 Aug. 2022 Some of it was sublime, like the octopus salad, which grabbed my soul with suction cups and eight arms of saudade. — Brian Amaral, BostonGlobe.com, 9 June 2022 Horses are symbols and stories — some banal, others sublime. — Margaret Wappler, Los Angeles Times, 11 Aug. 2021 The new one is sublime, so why would Apple replace it, especially so soon? — David Phelan, Forbes, 28 June 2022 And of course, the Lillard-Nurkic pick-and-roll game at times can be sublime. — oregonlive, 14 May 2022 His aural arrangements, which only heighten the fear and tension of some of the film’s most pivotal and gruesome scenes, are sublime, and the hopes are the music branch don’t suffer from short-term memory loss in the next seven months. — Clayton Davis, Variety, 5 May 2022 The storytelling is as vivid as the vocals are sublime. — Ed Masley, The Arizona Republic, 1 May 2022 And with spring officially in the air and summer just around the corner, right now – just ahead of the upcoming travel rush – is a sublime time to schedule a trip to the City of Roses. — Katie Chang, Forbes, 27 May 2022 See More

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.