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 But great actors can indeed revive dead movie formats, and the addition of Jonsson and Gosling, at least sounds… sublime. Alison Foreman, IndieWire, 26 July 2026 An evening that had begun as silencing a smiling sextet ended in a sublime effort to open the mind beyond body and music to give peace a chance. Classical Music Critic, Los Angeles Times, 21 July 2026 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 See All Example Sentences for sublime
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sublime
Adjective
  • However, due to headwinds, that was reduced to 74 minutes, which was and still continues to be an astonishing achievement.
    Dhananjay Khadilkar, ArsTechnica, 7 Aug. 2026
  • It’s expected to perform an astonishing number of tasks simultaneously.
    Wilson Chapman, IndieWire, 5 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • While that’s a noble and smart goal, there is some wiggle room.
    Josh Miller, Southern Living, 3 Aug. 2026
  • The movie taps into what’s noble and valid and genuine about those feelings.
    Owen Gleiberman, Variety, 1 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • The restaurant has two Michelin stars; there's also a daytime bistro and a wonderful bar worth spending a few hours in.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 7 Aug. 2026
  • And like ginseng was supposed to be like this magical supplement that, like, improved health and memory and all sorts of wonderful things.
    Quanta Magazine, Quanta Magazine, 6 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • If cultural norms do shape footballing identities, that gap may help explain why the Spanish game has historically placed a greater premium on collective structures than some of its European neighbours.
    Mark Carey, New York Times, 9 Aug. 2026
  • His greatest series let people see a character who has revealed the filthiest, most shameful parts of themselves, and imagine them as a mirror.
    CT Jones, Rolling Stone, 8 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • The bride adds that working with all the amazing local vendors was truly a highlight.
    Shelby Wax, Vogue, 11 Aug. 2026
  • Her energy, dedication, spirit and connection with the kids are amazing.
    Jeanne Phillips, Mercury News, 11 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • Thailand’s high rate of gun ownership is second only to Pakistan in Asia, and far surpasses its Southeast Asian neighbors.
    ABC News, ABC News, 12 Aug. 2026
  • The state is announcing an average increase of almost 30% for those already paying the highest rates.
    John Ramos, CBS News, 12 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • For buildings like Mount Gilead to be built and continue to prosper for over 100 years is a miraculous feat, Thompson said.
    Kamal Morgan, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 11 Aug. 2026
  • However, given the legal limitations, studies like the Stanford one are observational and limited to small groups, and the science behind ibogaine’s supposedly miraculous workings remains thin.
    Michelle Lhooq, New Yorker, 7 Aug. 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 13 Aug. 2026.

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