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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 James Cameron’s sublime Alien sequel is all about reversals. Chris Klimek, Vulture, 26 Sep. 2025 Later, European romantics would use the word sublime to describe the sensation evoked by confrontation with the grandeur and terror of nature, its existential enormity. Greg Grandin september 23, Literary Hub, 23 Sep. 2025 Given Isle Royale’s remoteness, the night skies are sublime. Stephanie Vermillion, Travel + Leisure, 20 Sep. 2025 Amphibious cars are a monument to indecision, never perfected, always a compromise of some sort but often in their weird way sublime, like the Sea Lion Amphibious Prototype heading for auction this weekend. Erik Shilling, Robb Report, 16 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for sublime
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sublime
Adjective
  • The Dohnányis came from a Hungarian noble family that traced its roots back centuries.
    Alex Ross, New Yorker, 21 Oct. 2025
  • Boots works hard to insist that while there might be a few bad apples along the way, there’s noble work to be done in the armed forces.
    Jackson McHenry, Vulture, 17 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Everything about it pleases me, from the correctness of all the enclitic marks upward, to the astonishing lambency of the whole.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 21 Oct. 2025
  • The astonishing young actor known as Master Betty was the prototype of the species.
    Adam Gopnik, New Yorker, 20 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • The 20-year-old was one of many players in the Argentinian squad with solid top-flight experience for their clubs, racking up 13 starts in midfield for Boca Juniors, after being given his opportunity by the great Fernando Gago back in May 2024.
    Thom Harris, New York Times, 23 Oct. 2025
  • For me, it’s been really essential to read a lot of great information, and to come at the world filled with knowledge and all these ideas of, in my view, much smarter and braver people than myself.
    Fiction Non Fiction, Literary Hub, 23 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • For the creation of wonderful characters and a story that feels spontaneous yet precise in its depiction of power, its moral dilemmas, and the absurd contradictions with the human condition.
    Christian Blauvelt, IndieWire, 24 Oct. 2025
  • Walston had a wonderful calming spirit.
    Cameron Crowe, HollywoodReporter, 24 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • However, energy analysts point to the high costs of setting up in a new remote environment in harsh weather without local infrastructure, labor, or equipment.
    Jordan Blum, Fortune, 22 Oct. 2025
  • However, Cox said via email last week that the cost of new construction and the site topography where the old police headquarters stood drove the cost up so high that the location was not the best choice.
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 22 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Dan Aykroyd's amazing cameo as the iconic Ray Stantz from Ghostbusters is a treat to watch.
    Lisa Stardust, PEOPLE, 21 Oct. 2025
  • This isn’t the first time a homeowner has shared an amazing discovery during a renovation.
    Alice Gibbs, MSNBC Newsweek, 21 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • And yet, welcoming that idea can shock the system because our popular conception of the American Revolution is so often encased in bloodless, gallant myth.
    Sarah Botstein, The Atlantic, 8 Oct. 2025
  • 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
Adjective
  • The bad feelings flared up moments after Payton's Broncos pulled off a miraculous rally on Sunday, beating New York 33-32 in a game that Denver trailed by 18 with six minutes left.
    David K. Li, NBC news, 22 Oct. 2025
  • Since defeating the Kansas City Chiefs, Las Vegas Raiders and Denver Broncos and raising expectations around the NFL, the Chargers have been on a less-than-stellar stretch in which their only victory in their past four games was a miraculous, last-minute win over the struggling Miami Dolphins.
    Elliott Teaford, Oc Register, 22 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Sublime.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sublime. Accessed 28 Oct. 2025.

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