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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 The title track is a sublime slow-core power ballad, a hymn to beauty in a world of chaos. Jon Dolan, Rolling Stone, 3 Sep. 2025 Iceland is nice land The Nordic nation of Iceland, famed for its volcanoes, hot springs and uniquely sublime landscapes, has once again been named the most peaceful country in the world by the Global Peace Index. Maureen O'Hare, CNN Money, 30 Aug. 2025 The film’s a sublime exploration of one man’s search for redemption. Baz Bamigboye, Deadline, 30 Aug. 2025 But Alcaraz also has the beauty of the artist, and left his opponent standing with sublime pick-up lobs into different corners of the court. Tim Ellis, Forbes.com, 28 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for sublime
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sublime
Adjective
  • The affection Agnes holds for her children and the anger aimed at her husband, not to mention a world cruel enough to rob her of a child, are both tuned with precision to crack your noble heart.
    David Fear, Rolling Stone, 8 Sep. 2025
  • For the Estarházy’s have been the preeminent Hungarian noble family, with origins in the Middle Ages and the greatest landowners, since long before 1776 was even a notion in the mind of Thomas Jefferson.
    Louis J. Esterhazy, Footwear News, 7 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Then, travelers settle on the ship for eight days to visit communities along the Ganges River, such as Matiari, a village known for its brass artisans, and Kalna, home to the astonishing Rajbari temple complex.
    Bailey Berg, AFAR Media, 9 Sep. 2025
  • An organic feel, curves, an astonishing representation of the body, a totally improbable position, even for Picasso.
    Natasha Gural, Forbes.com, 9 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Yet his work does demand greater attention.
    Mark Holgate, Vogue, 11 Sep. 2025
  • Europe staged one of the greatest comebacks in Ryder Cup history, winning eight matches and halving another to clinch the Cup by half a point.
    Tim Corlett, Forbes.com, 11 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • For years, those on the radical left have compared wonderful Americans like Charlie to Nazis and the world’s worst mass murderers and criminals.
    Chad de Guzman, Time, 11 Sep. 2025
  • Stargazing is a wonderful pursuit that appeals to both the casual and dedicated observer, but views outside of cities are often much clearer and brighter thanks to different levels of light pollution.
    Harry Bennett, Space.com, 11 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • However, the AmCham Shanghai survey found 14% of the respondents reported the environment for foreign businesses in China was worsening, with the tech sector seeing the highest challenges at 31% of industry respondents.
    Evelyn Cheng, CNBC, 10 Sep. 2025
  • If you are trapped by moving water, move to the highest possible point and call 911 if possible.
    NC Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 10 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • This fall brings a mix of amazing films.
    Okla Jones, Essence, 10 Sep. 2025
  • That alone is amazing, said Timbrook, Depue and a representative for the soft body armor vest that stopped a bullet from piercing the officer’s chest.
    Laura Bauer, Kansas City Star, 10 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • The experience of secession, of war, of industrial slaughter and gallant sacrifice, of Black soldiery and humanity all reforged Lincoln into a stronger alloy.
    Jack Sheehan September 4, Literary Hub, 4 Sep. 2025
  • The pre-match tifo at the Roker End depicted the County Durham legend of the giant Lambton worm, slayed by a gallant local hero.
    Philip Buckingham, New York Times, 17 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • Bradley McCroskey caught a miraculous 26-yard touchdown pass on the final play of regulation, then Temi Ericson raced nearly untouched for a 25-yard TD in overtime to give the Indians a 34-28 victory.
    Jordan Neal, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 13 Sep. 2025
  • Every bite elicits wonder, provoking a quiet moment of gratitude for this lush, miraculous habitat.
    The Bon Appétit Staff, Bon Appetit Magazine, 12 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Sublime.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sublime. Accessed 14 Sep. 2025.

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