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

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
Who would be taken in the rapture? Brendan Rascius, Miami Herald, 24 Sep. 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
  • Many Republicans had enthusiastic feelings, like excitement, ecstasy and elation.
    Christine Zhang, New York Times, 24 Jan. 2026
  • Love is a very complicated thing, with ecstasy, pleasure, and also darkness and things that are broken.
    Sydney Bucksbaum, Entertainment Weekly, 15 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • SciAm always educates and delights me, and inspires a sense of awe for our vast, beautiful universe.
    Jackie Flynn Mogensen, Scientific American, 27 Jan. 2026
  • However, epicureans will be delighted with the resort hotel's culinary options, including a restaurant helmed by superstar chef Eric Ripert.
    Allison Tibaldi, USA Today, 24 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • These injudicious, blunt-force tariffs do get undone almost as quickly as they are slapped on, thank heavens.
    Jim Cramer, CNBC, 25 Jan. 2026
  • Dora comes every Friday and makes sure of that, thank heavens.
    Marla Jo Fisher, Oc Register, 21 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • The caveat is that they are both entranced by a dream rather than the reality of what a partnership needs.
    Lisa Stardust, PEOPLE, 9 Jan. 2026
  • Its serpentine curves have entranced drivers for decades, and even lured some to their death.
    Clara Harter, Los Angeles Times, 9 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • March’s lunar eclipse in Virgo — activating your fifth house of love and passion — intensifies attraction, desire and romantic chemistry, pushing you to take a risk or end a dynamic that no longer brings you joy.
    Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 26 Jan. 2026
  • When it’s done well, family philanthropy creates confidence, engagement, and joy.
    Kris Putnam-Walkerly, Forbes.com, 26 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • The victim was transported to the hospital with serious injuries that were not believed to be life-threatening.
    Stepheny Price, FOXNews.com, 29 Jan. 2026
  • According to the affidavits, officers arrested 34-year-old Las Vegas resident Sania Blanchard and 31-year-old Jordan Lantry of Phoenix and transported them to Turner Guilford Knight Correctional Center.
    Colson Thayer, PEOPLE, 28 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • While Violet has put much of her focus on her kids' love stories, she's also been on a journey to re-discover her own happiness after her late husband's death years earlier.
    Jordana Comiter, PEOPLE, 31 Jan. 2026
  • So many chances to attain most people’s dreams of happiness, love, abundance, new ideas and popularity.
    Magi Helena, Dallas Morning News, 30 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • Contestants are trying to please the producer asking the questions.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 29 Jan. 2026
  • Las Vegas is also a crowd-pleasing favorite in this regard.
    Alex Ledsom, Forbes.com, 29 Jan. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Rapture.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/rapture. Accessed 2 Feb. 2026.

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