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Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective sublime contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of sublime are glorious, gorgeous, resplendent, splendid, and superb. While all these words mean "extraordinarily or transcendently impressive," sublime implies an exaltation or elevation almost beyond human comprehension.

a vision of sublime beauty

When can glorious be used instead of sublime?

The synonyms glorious and sublime are sometimes interchangeable, but glorious suggests radiance that heightens beauty or distinction.

a glorious sunset

When would gorgeous be a good substitute for sublime?

Although the words gorgeous and sublime have much in common, gorgeous implies a rich splendor especially in display of color.

a gorgeous red dress

When is resplendent a more appropriate choice than sublime?

The words resplendent and sublime are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, resplendent suggests a glowing or blazing splendor.

resplendent in her jewelry

Where would splendid be a reasonable alternative to sublime?

The meanings of splendid and sublime largely overlap; however, splendid implies outshining the usual or customary.

the wedding was a splendid occasion

When is it sensible to use superb instead of sublime?

While the synonyms superb and sublime are close in meaning, superb suggests an excellence reaching the highest conceivable degree.

her singing was superb

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 sublime Yet the songs showcased in those sublime dance numbers are sung live on set by actors whose delivery is slightly off-key and out of breath. Jim Hemphill, IndieWire, 20 Mar. 2025 Isak’s shot from distance is sublime, but the movement and speed of action are what turn Van Dijk inside out to create separation. Mark Carey, The Athletic, 15 Mar. 2025 Her depictions of the area’s Indigenous people, their ceremonies and architecture go even further into the realm of sublime. Chadd Scott, Forbes, 15 Mar. 2025 The film also offers perhaps Oliveira’s most sublime visual metaphor for memory at work: the view out the rear window of a fast-moving car. Richard Brody, New Yorker, 26 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for sublime
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sublime
Adjective
  • The coat of arms above serves as the door for the ‘most noble, most loyal, most valiant and always loyal’.
    Jacob Tanswell, New York Times, 24 Apr. 2025
  • But even if Van Hollen’s motivation for going to El Salvador was less than noble, the truth is there are things more important than the political fight of the day.
    Chris Roemer, Baltimore Sun, 24 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • This is the astonishing dialectical power of the moment.
    D. Graham Burnett, New Yorker, 26 Apr. 2025
  • Tom Hanks narrates this examination of the astonishing variety of life on a supercontinent stretching from northern Canada to the bottom of South America.
    Matthew Carey, Deadline, 26 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • This is a great UFC Fight Night that will not disappoint; make sure to tune in and catch all the action.
    Thomas G. Moukawsher, MSNBC Newsweek, 27 Apr. 2025
  • Cancer, a disease that doesn’t discriminate and spares no one from its reach, has long been one of humanity’s greatest adversaries.
    Daniel Fusch, USA Today, 27 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Washington Capitals, won 4-1 against Montreal Last week: 7 Sean: 4 Dom: 9 Pierre-Luc Dubois had a fine first round, but zero goals and two assists were still a step down from his wonderful regular season.
    Dom Luszczyszyn, New York Times, 2 May 2025
  • Miss Nellie's is a lovely vibe post-show, and have a wonderful assortment of cocktails and mocktails.
    Shivani Vora, Forbes.com, 1 May 2025
Adjective
  • Building a community around these creators keeps engagement levels high and content flowing, as their audiences feel personally invested.
    Fairchild Studio, Footwear News, 5 May 2025
  • Plus, not everyone’s thrilled about tunnel construction disrupting high season traffic.
    Abby Montanez, Robb Report, 4 May 2025
Adjective
  • Midway through game three, Agassi was clearly winded from playing in the oppressive Florida humidity, but after an amazing rally at 7-7 in the third the teenagers capitulated and Waters/Agassi were able to win and move forward.
    Todd Boss, Forbes.com, 4 May 2025
  • Thank you to our amazing cast, crew, and producers and writers!
    Natalie Oganesyan, Deadline, 3 May 2025
Adjective
  • For nearly a century after the Civil War, terroristic lynchings of Black men in the South were frequently justified as gallant acts by white men to protect their wives and daughters.
    Livia Gershon, JSTOR Daily, 16 Apr. 2025
  • An elaborate ideology confers legitimacy upon the Kim family: according to the country’s founding myth, Kim Il Sung led a gallant band of guerilla fighters in the bitter winds of Manchuria to defeat the Japanese, liberate the Korean people, and establish the North Korean state.
    JENNIFER LIND, Foreign Affairs, 25 Oct. 2010
Adjective
  • But there would be no miraculous comeback on this night in Fort Lauderdale.
    Michelle Kaufman, Miami Herald, 1 May 2025
  • From Moscow’s vantage point, the past three months have been miraculous: Putin can now envision a path to win the war in Ukraine, a possibility that did not exist three months ago because the United States was blocking its way.
    Eric Green, Time, 30 Apr. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Sublime.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sublime. Accessed 9 May. 2025.

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