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
  • Each piece is a little bit of the earth itself, molded to a shape that fits easily in the hand, baked to achieve permanence and then stacked, one atop another, to form a wall that can enclose, shelter and delight us.
    Edward Keegan, Chicago Tribune, 23 Aug. 2026
  • Always popular, coral bells delight with bright blooms and fast-growing leaves that hide fading bulbs.
    Lauren Landers, The Spruce, 23 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • Sounds like heaven to me, but your security posture mileage may vary!
    Davey Winder, Forbes.com, 6 Aug. 2026
  • Its purpose is to take deep panoramic images of the sky, over and over again, every clear night across the next 10 years, making what amounts to a decade-spanning ultrahigh-definition timelapse movie of the entire heavens.
    Phil Plait, Scientific American, 24 July 2026
Verb
  • Peter Flinckenberg’s lively lensing and engagement with the distinctive light conditions of the location add an entrancing glow to the proceedings.
    Leslie Felperin, HollywoodReporter, 18 Aug. 2026
  • The look felt right at home on this press tour, adding to her incredible roster of recent looks that have left us mere mortals entranced.
    Daisy Maldonado, InStyle, 16 July 2026
Noun
  • For many, Menorca, one of Spain’s Balearic Islands, is synonymous with summer which makes Son Ermità like the thrill of the first dip in the sea in the morning or the joy of the last swim at dusk.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 20 Aug. 2026
  • Offer one useful idea, keep the plan simple, and save space for joy too.
    Tarot.com, Baltimore Sun, 20 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • Radiant says crews can transport Kaleidos by land, sea, or air.
    Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 20 Aug. 2026
  • They’re transported to fantastical lands, rekindling their family bond through adventures.
    Anthony D'Alessandro, Deadline, 20 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • Gunter, a 14-year client, expresses his happiness at seeing the store reopen after its move from Northlake Mall.
    Savannah Sicurella, AJC.com, 24 Aug. 2026
  • But the happiness Derrick Moore brought to others persists inside that home.
    Julianna Bragg, CNN Money, 23 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • That’s why this list includes both heavy, high fill powers and light inserts that will please even the hottest sleepers.
    Yelena Moroz Alpert, Architectural Digest, 24 Aug. 2026
  • Wrestlers having legitimate issues backstage has led to multiple feuds that people-pleasing AEW President Tony Khan could not control.
    Alfred Konuwa, Forbes.com, 21 Aug. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Rapture.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/rapture. Accessed 28 Aug. 2026.

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