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 Speaking of the Joker, it's almost become a cliche at this point, but Heath Ledger's tragic turn as the Clown Prince of Crime is simply sublime. Austin Perry Outkick, FOXNews.com, 18 July 2026 Dennis Bergkamp’s sublime touch The quarterfinal match between the Netherlands and Argentina at the 1998 FIFA World Cup was at 1–1 and approaching extra time when Dutch forward Dennis Bergkamp scored a masterpiece of a goal. Tushaar Kuthiala, Encyclopedia Britannica, 16 July 2026 The team here delivers an encyclopedia of sublime services, from Ayurvedic massages to 24k gold facials. Katie Lockhart, Robb Report, 16 July 2026 Twice England’s post was struck but when Enzo Fernández’s sublime strike sailed past Jordan Pickford in the 85th minute, there only ever felt like one winner. Aleks Klosok, CNN Money, 15 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for sublime
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sublime
Adjective
  • But the most extraordinary thing on the screen is Antonio Banderas, who delivers an astonishing, devastating performance as the proprietor of the restaurant where Bourdain finds work, and on whose porch Tony ends up sleeping for the summer.
    Helen Rosner, New Yorker, 2 Aug. 2026
  • With the James Webb Space Telescope, next-generation ground observatories, and future missions on the horizon, these seven worlds are unlikely to remain the most astonishing for long.
    Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 2 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • Not play-act, but do the real work, make the hard and noble choices, not forsake his vows but live by them.
    Erik Kain, Forbes.com, 27 July 2026
  • Paying more attention to getting good sleep, consuming enough nutrients and setting yourself up for success in your fertility is a noble effort.
    Madeline Holcombe, CNN Money, 24 July 2026
Adjective
  • Start with the escargot, which pack a wonderful buttery, garlicky punch, each bite topped with a perfect, tiny puff pastry.
    Connie Ogle July 31, Miami Herald, 31 July 2026
  • The combination of David’s wonderful scripts, Lenny back directing on the BBC, Element Pictures producing, and Claire and Mathew leading our cast is a real gift.
    Jesse Whittock, Deadline, 30 July 2026
Adjective
  • The other great piece of news is that, yes, this will get a localized release with multiple language support, something that the original PlayStation Portable version never had.
    Ollie Barder, Forbes.com, 2 Aug. 2026
  • Zachary Robert Stacer, 22, was arrested on July 30 and charged with two counts of assault with intent to do great bodily harm, three counts of felonious assault and five counts of resisting and obstructing a police officer.
    Joseph Buczek, CBS News, 1 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • The sense of antiquity is preserved (stone staircases worn smooth by the centuries, wooden shutters in the bedrooms), but there’s no shortage of modern amenities, from the amazing Duxiana beds to bathrooms with rain showers.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 4 Aug. 2026
  • But there’s so many amazing female filmmakers out there as well, who are making really cool films and doing amazing work.
    Lexi Carson, HollywoodReporter, 4 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • The report notes the area is known by detectives to be a high crime area with multiple stray dogs and wandering drug users.
    Rafael Escalera Montoto, Arkansas Online, 5 Aug. 2026
  • The 2026 World Cup can be a catalyst to boost it to an even higher orbit.
    Michael Lewis, Forbes.com, 5 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • Somehow those words in that order had never been used in a country song before, which seems miraculous.
    Stephen Deusner, SPIN, 3 Aug. 2026
  • Their lives were recorded in the form of hagiographies, stories of the saints, often ornamented with folkloric motifs, focusing on marvelous adventures and miraculous doings.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 30 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 6 Aug. 2026.

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