Definition of rapturenext

rapture

2 of 2

verb

as in to delight
to fill with overwhelming emotion (as wonder or delight) nature lovers will be raptured by the documentary's breathtaking cinematography

Synonyms & Similar Words

Synonym Chooser

How is the word rapture distinct from other similar nouns?

The words ecstasy and transport are common synonyms of rapture. While all three words mean "intense exaltation of mind and feelings," rapture usually implies intense bliss or beatitude.

in speechless rapture

How do ecstasy and rapture relate to one another?

Ecstasy and rapture both suggest a state of trance or near immobility produced by an overpowering emotion; ecstasy may apply to any strong emotion (such as joy, fear, rage, adoration).

religious ecstasy

When might transport be a better fit than rapture?

In some situations, the words transport and rapture are roughly equivalent. However, transport applies to any powerful emotion that lifts one out of oneself and usually provokes vehement expression or frenzied action.

in a transport of rage

Example Sentences

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.
Recent Examples of rapture
Noun
Despite their success — statistically, Mexico’s best ever two opening World Cup games in their history — compare the mood in Guadalajara to the rapture which greeted the performances of fellow hosts United States and Canada. Jacob Whitehead, New York Times, 19 June 2026 Just four minutes later, Baggio doubled the Italians’ lead with a swift half-volley, sending the capacity crowd inside of New Jersey’s Giants Stadium into raptures. Shaun Goodwin june 8, Idaho Statesman, 8 June 2026
Verb
For a movie about an apocalyptic clash of vampires and gangsters, Sinners has moments of unexpected jubilance, even rapture. A.a. Dowd, Rolling Stone, 17 Apr. 2025 Dispensationalism has an offensive reputation among many Jews because the End Times prophecy outlines an event in which Jews suffer mass slaughter while Christian believers are spared because God raptured them. Liam Adams, The Tennessean, 22 Nov. 2024 See All Example Sentences for rapture
Recent Examples of Synonyms for rapture
Noun
  • The passage is eerily similar to Salinger’s own state of mind while in uniform, specifically on a day that should have evoked ecstasy.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 10 Aug. 2026
  • Such is the ecstasy, the agony, of judgment, which was never for their benefit.
    Lauren Michele Jackson, New Yorker, 8 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • That opening-day land in Disney’s Animal Kingdom delighted families for 28 years, but officially closed in February 2026 to make way for an entirely new Tropical Americas land.
    Julie Tremaine, PEOPLE, 3 Sep. 2026
  • Contrary to its name, this vista is sure to delight the foliage-minded among us.
    Jessica Puckett, Condé Nast Traveler, 2 Sep. 2026
Noun
  • This world’s heavens are lit with cosmic rays, its cityscapes otherworldly — everything seems to service an unabashed romanticism.
    Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 4 Sep. 2026
  • And thanks to Tucson’s extraordinarily dark heavens, the Sonoran skyscape takes center stage with Peace Among the Stars.
    Robb Report Studio, Robb Report, 28 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • For the last two years, the story has entranced showgoers with its heartbreaking portrayal of an imperfect love story.
    Emmalee Reed, CNN Money, 6 Sep. 2026
  • She becomes entranced by a mural painted on the walls of the bedroom and is tormented in her dreams and eventually in her waking hours by a powerful force.
    Ashley Woo, PEOPLE, 6 Sep. 2026
Noun
  • Lamb liked to link play, although City also had plenty of joy down the flanks.
    Rob Tanner, New York Times, 11 Sep. 2026
  • The soldiers and settlers can be relied upon to stifle joy, waiting at the olive harvests, along the coasts, and at checkpoints where women are forced to give birth on the sides of the road.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 11 Sep. 2026
Verb
  • Forests delivered lumber to build ships and barrels for transporting goods that allowed the United States to become a global trading power.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 11 Sep. 2026
  • Better forecasting of atmospheric rivers Atmospheric rivers are long, narrow corridors in the sky that transport enormous amounts of water vapor.
    Yongkang Xue, The Conversation, 10 Sep. 2026
Noun
  • Blasting Sharon Van Etten music on the subway and grinding out 18-hour shifts in her scrubs seems to be getting the job done, but happiness is a lot harder to deny when someone becomes determined to share it with you.
    David Ehrlich, IndieWire, 13 Sep. 2026
  • Counsell must know by now that managing the Cubs in September is not a recipe for happiness.
    Paul Sullivan, Chicago Tribune, 11 Sep. 2026
Verb
  • Morgan’s resolute denials pleased his family and friends, but in fact he was deeply rattled.
    Business Columnist, Los Angeles Times, 7 Sep. 2026
  • Investor-pleasing language can substitute for a distinctive customer system.
    Steve Denning, Forbes.com, 31 Aug. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Rapture.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/rapture. Accessed 15 Sep. 2026.

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