rapture 1 of 2

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

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
Dylan Mulvaney came dressed and ready for the rapture. Kristen Tauer, Footwear News, 6 Oct. 2025 Multiple people have thrown their support behind Mhlakela’s theory, with several of them promising to apologize to their followers on social media if the rapture failed to happen. Jordan King, MSNBC Newsweek, 24 Sep. 2025
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 Hungarian national, 48, stands accused of running a criminal organization specializing in cocaine and ecstasy trafficking, from at least mid-2014 through April 2015, according to Europol.
    CBS News, CBS News, 20 Apr. 2026
  • The takedown resulted in 17 arrests and the seizure of 27 firearms, roughly four pounds of cocaine, more than 130 pounds of marijuana, as well as fentanyl, ecstasy and cash, according to officials.
    Bonny Chu, FOXNews.com, 2 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • SciAm always educates and delights me, and inspires a sense of awe for our vast, beautiful universe.
    Stephanie Pappas, Scientific American, 21 Apr. 2026
  • These fans, along with residents, will move around the city to support their team, go to the fan fest and take in all the culinary delights the Heart of America has to offer.
    Eleanor Nash, Kansas City Star, 20 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • In Catholic theology, purgatory is the in-between—not heaven, not hell, but a passage of purification before something better.
    Geoff Curtis, Fortune, 6 Apr. 2026
  • In an interview ahead of Palm Sunday, senior pastor Robert Jeffress reflected on specific scripture that says the whole world will burn someday, but there will be a new heaven and a new earth with Christ.
    Dallas Morning News, Dallas Morning News, 29 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • Johnson is entranced by physics.
    Bennett Durando, Denver Post, 18 Apr. 2026
  • Viewers learned at CinemaCon that the film's fifth installment shows a young kid entranced by her Lilypad device, rather than her toy friends.
    Saba Hamedy, NBC news, 17 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • Still, there’s no denying the sheer joy baked into the production.
    Dave Quinn, PEOPLE, 21 Apr. 2026
  • Finding joy through everyday activities, like calling a friend, trying a new hobby, or going for a walk, is not only good for our bodies and minds at the moment but also for our overall well-being.
    Alexa Mikhail, Flow Space, 20 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • The bicyclist was transported to an area hospital, where he was listed in critical but stable condition, according to police.
    Staff Report, Hartford Courant, 22 Apr. 2026
  • From there, the astronauts were hoisted into helicopters and transported to the Murtha for further evaluation, completing one of the most complex and carefully choreographed phases of the mission.
    Samantha Mathewson, Space.com, 22 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • Though her character finds romantic happiness with Will Schuester, her role grew smaller as the actress pursued opportunities on series like The Millers and The League.
    James Mercadante, Entertainment Weekly, 11 Apr. 2026
  • Another close-up shot reflected his happiness, as he could be seen smiling widely at the camera with palm trees behind him.
    Kimberlee Speakman, PEOPLE, 10 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • Again, Brunello was a man at ease in his surroundings, pleased to share the docufilm about his life and philosophies.
    Randee Dawn, Variety, 20 Apr. 2026
  • An old rose that is sure to please is the pink 'Peggy Martin' rose that has become widely available in nurseries.
    Mary Marlowe Leverette, Southern Living, 17 Apr. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Rapture.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/rapture. Accessed 24 Apr. 2026.

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