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
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
  • For instance, Virginia bluebells growingwith yellow celandine poppies can be an artist’s ecstasy.
    Charles Seabrook, AJC.com, 7 Mar. 2026
  • Back on the ground, ecstasy fills you.
    Maya Silver, Outside, 25 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • From buttery, tender shortbread, to sandwich cookies with seasonal jam, our collection of spring cookies is bound to delight.
    Alana Al-Hatlani, Southern Living, 9 Mar. 2026
  • Multiple wines Fifteen red wines representing multiple regions will delight wine aficionados.
    Terry Hagerty, Austin American Statesman, 9 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • White and brown are a match made in sartorial heaven.
    Christina Perrier, InStyle, 10 Mar. 2026
  • Summer brings enormous, heaven-scented blooms that ripen to attractive cones holding bright red seeds.
    Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 3 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • As Laurel Ellis in the nighttime drama, Schofield entranced Clayton Farlow, played by Howard Keel.
    Assistant Editor, Los Angeles Times, 4 Mar. 2026
  • He’d been entranced by the big rolls of paper and the long sheets of it running through the air, from one part of the press to another.
    Beth Gardiner, Time, 24 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • There are few things that bring me pure, inexplicable joy.
    Jenn Harris, Los Angeles Times, 9 Mar. 2026
  • For its grand opening party on March 14, this fusion of Southern joy, community, and crispy chicken will offer a free sandwich or nugs to the first 100 customers.
    Abigail Wilt, Southern Living, 9 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • Energy plays a major role throughout the food supply chain, from powering farm machinery and producing fertilizers to transporting crops and processing them into food products.
    Lee Ying Shan, CNBC, 12 Mar. 2026
  • The gold and the money was being transported through Hungary by road when Hungary seized it Thursday.
    JUSTIN SPIKE THE ASSOCIATED PRESS, Arkansas Online, 11 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • We're all endowed with the same inalienable rights to life and liberty and the pursuit of happiness.
    CBS News, CBS News, 6 Mar. 2026
  • The company's 2025 European Life-Work Balance Index evaluated each country based on factors such as sick and paid maternity leave, healthcare, annual leave, public safety and happiness, LGBTQ+ inclusivity, and average hours worked.
    Lydia Mansel, Travel + Leisure, 5 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • This crowd-favorite combination is sure to please adults and children alike at your holiday gathering.
    Kaitlyn Yarborough, Southern Living, 11 Mar. 2026
  • Lasagna never fails to please, but its preparation — and storage of leftovers — can be a hassle.
    Gretchen McKay, Boston Herald, 11 Mar. 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Rapture.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/rapture. Accessed 14 Mar. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on rapture

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster