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 Their stuff is incredible—precision engineering, finishing that is sublime, architecture of movements that is really beautiful and well thought out. Victoria Gomelsky, Robb Report, 30 Mar. 2026 The 19 songs Wednesday performed also showcased Hartzman's sublime writing style. Piet Levy, jsonline.com, 28 Mar. 2026 His first mature photographs made during his university years revisited Scandinavian Romanticism—typified by the stormy, sublime landscapes of painters such as Johan Christian Dahl—with a sly spin. Chris Wiley, New Yorker, 28 Mar. 2026 Brathwaite’s photography captured sublime moments across fashion, activism, music, and art in a 60 year-plus career. Anthony D'alessandro, Deadline, 24 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for sublime
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sublime
Adjective
  • Everyone was understandably rattled, but no one was hurt in the mayhem, a frankly astonishing outcome for the alleged perpetrator.
    Joe Wilkins, Futurism, 9 Apr. 2026
  • Then family connections got him that astonishing first job at the heart of the Defense Ministry.
    Michael Sheridan, Vanity Fair, 8 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • Most references to the Arbat in the ancient chronicles are connected to fires, amid mention of invasions and plagues and noble births.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 3 Apr. 2026
  • Replete with a young Gemma and Clay Morrow (Ron Perlman) in the middle as SAMCRO evolved from noble origins to criminal pursuits and violence.
    Mike Fleming Jr, Deadline, 31 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • But that is the context of a wonderful performance.
    Sebastian Stafford-Bloor, New York Times, 8 Apr. 2026
  • And serialization is a glorious, wonderful thing that happens automatically to a show that people love.
    Ryan Gajewski, HollywoodReporter, 7 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • Chernyshov is a big, strong (6-foot-3, about 200 pounds) winger and modern power-forward type where driving is a part of his identity, but not to a bullish fault as his only focus, and his skill/finesse might take on greater emphasis.
    Scott Wheeler, New York Times, 8 Apr. 2026
  • Polish Remover Wipes are TSA-approved and great for travel.
    Tory Johnson, ABC News, 8 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • And many contain an amazing assortment of super nutritious foods like quinoa, kale, beans and spinach.
    Sheah Rarback, Miami Herald, 9 Apr. 2026
  • Another thing that’s amazing to me about Asawa, and that Chase’s book reveals, is her relationship to her family and her community.
    The New Yorker, New Yorker, 8 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • More importantly, Slaughter expanded her game, operating more in the post, rebounding at a higher level and continuing to handle the ball effectively.
    Aaron Segal, Kansas City Star, 4 Apr. 2026
  • Those who leave earlier — by May 31 — are eligible for the highest financial incentive.
    Ivan Taylor, CBS News, 4 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • The Coast Guard, as is customary, sank the miraculous truck.
    Sarah Moreno, Miami Herald, 8 Apr. 2026
  • The Pornos were a slightly miraculous act of manifestation.
    Elizabeth Nelson, Pitchfork, 8 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • And Texas made a gallant comeback to tie the game at 77-77 when Pope coolly sank three consecutive free throws after getting fouled behind the arc with 3.8 seconds remaining.
    Kirk Bohls, Houston Chronicle, 8 Mar. 2026
  • More significant and symbolic than an ultimately gallant failure in Mumbai was the moment Harry Brook effectively dropped the World Cup with the last mistake of what has been the most turbulent period of his meteoric rise to become one of the best batters in the world.
    Paul Newman, New York Times, 5 Mar. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Sublime.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sublime. Accessed 11 Apr. 2026.

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