rapture 1 of 2

rapture

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verb

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
But why is the concept of rapture so prominent in Portuguese and agony in Hindi? Cody Cottier, Scientific American, 9 May 2025 At times brutal and always volatile, the album functions as a sort of electro-shock therapy applied from the shoulders down, layering hard beats, ambient whorls, and nervous acid ticks to trigger a state of full-body rapture. Jazz Monroe, Pitchfork, 18 Apr. 2025
Verb
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 Yet Mendes mostly sees a cheap, useful instrument in Deakins—a shortcut to rapture. A.a. Dowd, Chron, 8 Dec. 2022 See All Example Sentences for rapture
Recent Examples of Synonyms for rapture
Noun
  • Paul testified to seeing Combs use drugs multiple times—including cocaine, ketamine, ecstasy, and marijuana.
    Essence, Essence, 20 June 2025
  • The test shows apparent negative results for the following substances: benzodiazepines, amphetamines, ecstasy, barbiturates, buprenorphine, cocaine, ketamine, methadone, meperidine, zolpidems, opiates, PCP, oxycodone, propoxyphene, cannabinoids, tramadol, ethanol, fentanyl and carisoprodol.
    Marni Rose McFall, MSNBC Newsweek, 17 June 2025
Verb
  • The sequel has plenty of the same horror-comedy elements that delighted audiences a couple years ago, but there’s also a major action upgrade that resembles the paths that Aliens and Terminator 2: Judgment Day took from their predecessors.
    Brian Davids, HollywoodReporter, 20 June 2025
  • The combination of microservices with edge computing CDNs and micro frontends creates a robust application development framework that enables fast, resilient and scalable applications that delight users while driving business expansion.
    Raju Dandigam, Forbes.com, 20 June 2025
Noun
  • As a dissident, Limonov didn’t find New York to be some immigrant heaven, but rather a cutthroat town where the Upper West Side socialites were as disaffected and atrophied as Politburo members.
    Ed Simon June 23, Literary Hub, 23 June 2025
  • While there will be emphasis on families and domestic lives, the dazzling configurations taking place in the heavens above could even mark a period where past-life connections return to bring potential radiance and good news.
    Kyle Thomas, People.com, 22 June 2025
Verb
  • Venice, the capital of the northern Italian Veneto region, is arguably one of the world’s most famous island cities, entrancing visitors for centuries with its Gothic palazzos, romantic gondolas and colorful Carnival masks.
    Asia London Palomba, Smithsonian Magazine, 6 June 2025
  • Byredo’s Mojave Ghost is a dry woody fragrance that will leave you (and those around you) entranced.
    Meghan Rose, Glamour, 4 June 2025
Noun
  • Enjoy Basketball styles itself as a media and lifestyle brand celebrating the positivity and joy of basketball.
    Vitas Carosella, Forbes.com, 21 June 2025
  • Unconventional ties add more joy to men’s wardrobes, a belief strongly held by luxury designer Wangda Chen of his eponymous label Wàngda.
    Kristopher Fraser, Robb Report, 20 June 2025
Verb
  • The intention is not just to transport data but to ensure its integrity, accuracy and usability within the new surroundings.
    Vamsi Gosu, Forbes.com, 23 June 2025
  • If convicted, Abrego Garcia could face up to 10 years in prison for each person transported.
    Michael Collins, USA Today, 23 June 2025
Noun
  • But for one white horse, true happiness looks a little different—flat on its side, sound asleep, and snoring without a care in the world.
    Lucy Notarantonio, MSNBC Newsweek, 20 June 2025
  • Foster your relationships: Though not a direct method of training stamina, your social network plays a big role in emotional well-being and overall happiness.
    Jakob Roze, Health, 19 June 2025
Verb
  • Mariska’s two brothers, injured, were carried away from the scene.
    Stephanie Zacharek, Time, 27 June 2025
  • For example, in one scene, Kong carries away Ann Darrow, who’s played by actress Fay Wray.
    Jared Bahir Browsh, The Conversation, 18 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Rapture.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/rapture. Accessed 4 Jul. 2025.

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