Definition of sublimenext
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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 Someone has a great sense of humor, because that is wonderfully sublime. Pete Grathoff, Kansas City Star, 6 July 2026 Tequila, lime juice, and grapefruit soda team up in one sublime sipper that's easy enough to throw together for an impromptu happy hour. Ginger Crichton, Midwest Living, 2 July 2026 Other movies of its ilk might lean more realistic, but Coppola's vision is absolutely sublime. Brian Truitt, USA Today, 1 July 2026 On this sublime stretch of coast, of course, a slice of paradise is hard to come by. Sam Cochran, Architectural Digest, 25 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for sublime
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sublime
Adjective
  • Their defensive commitment was astonishing, compact and aggressive in a 5-4-1 shape throughout, limiting the overwhelming tournament favourites to pot-shots for over an hour.
    Stuart James, New York Times, 5 July 2026
  • Laptop Deal The HP OmniBook 3 redefines long-haul productivity by delivering an astonishing 32 hours and 15 minutes of operating on a single charge.
    Juhi Wadia, PC Magazine, 3 July 2026
Adjective
  • As a witty nod to the noble milieu and the Sciò family’s former residency, a family tree of portraits by Gucci collaborator Ignasi Monreal, hangs in the piano room outside of the restaurant.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 11 July 2026
  • Warm, fuzzy feelings for noble stupidity are an American thing, especially in politics.
    The New Yorker, New Yorker, 4 July 2026
Adjective
  • The resort provides a hiking guide—Nafea Abdeljalil was wonderful—and of course transport.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 9 July 2026
  • Izzy, a vulnerable, dry-humored lesbian, played with a hummingbird intensity by the wonderful Molly Bernard, marvels that the experience is hard to describe to anyone who hasn’t been through it, like sharing a dream.
    Emily Nussbaum, New Yorker, 9 July 2026
Adjective
  • Naturally, minds will go back to 1986, when Argentina beat England 2-1 and Diego Maradona scored arguably the greatest World Cup goal of all-time.
    Stuart James, New York Times, 12 July 2026
  • And the greatest Golden Boot chase in World Cup history as greats Lionel Messi, Kylian Mbappe, Haaland and Kane rose like giants.
    Miami Herald, Miami Herald, 12 July 2026
Adjective
  • There didn’t seem to be an amazing atmosphere inside AT&T Stadium outside Dallas and France didn’t really offer anything to change that.
    Aleks Klosok, CNN Money, 14 July 2026
  • The World Cup has been an amazing spectacle and, mercifully, the sport’s notorious hooligans have been largely absent.
    The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 13 July 2026
Adjective
  • Wall Street looked past geopolitics even as oil prices climbed on the back of lower-than-expected inflation figures that sent tech stocks higher.
    Lim Hui Jie, CNBC, 15 July 2026
  • The new findings showed that symptom-free older adults who harbored very high levels of p-tau217 had a 38% risk of developing cognitive impairment over five years.
    ABC News, ABC News, 15 July 2026
Adjective
  • Spieth made a miraculous 50-foot eagle putt to give himself a two-stroke lead.
    Brody Miller, New York Times, 14 July 2026
  • There was extra time against Cape Verde, a miraculous late-game comeback over Egypt, then extra time again to get by Switzerland.
    Becky Sullivan, NPR, 14 July 2026
Adjective
  • Clearly, Americans didn’t do gallant failure, instead demanding domination over mere participation every time.
    Terry Baddoo, USA Today, 14 June 2026
  • Commandment was very gallant in defeat for trainer Brad Cox and looks to be on the improve after his seventh-place finish in the Kentucky Derby.
    Danny Brewer, Forbes.com, 8 June 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Sublime.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sublime. Accessed 16 Jul. 2026.

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