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 The drama and emotional beats on reality TV are sublime. Literary Hub, 29 Jan. 2026 Her confidence is nothing but sublime. Sophie Williams, Billboard, 28 Jan. 2026 Duplass could not have wished for better preparation for material of this nature than his work as producer and director of six episodes — including the pilot — of HBO’s sublime Bridget Everett series Somebody Somewhere. David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 27 Jan. 2026 Slightly cropped trousers revealed the shaft of sublime flat boots. Rachel Tashjian, CNN Money, 26 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for sublime
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sublime
Adjective
  • To be in a place built—so very expensively—on fossil fuels, listening to endless green talk from an industry profiting off planetary destruction, is far more discombobulating than the astonishing shopping options.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 26 Feb. 2026
  • The astonishing results have generated significant buzz online, but also raised concerns about its safety.
    Fran Kritz, Verywell Health, 26 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • In Vietnamese culture a teacher is noble and respected.
    Caterina De Biasio, Vogue, 23 Feb. 2026
  • Commit yourself to the noble struggle for equal rights.
    / CBS Baltimore, CBS News, 23 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • Service at the bars and restaurants on the ship was wonderful, too—attentive but never hovering.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 25 Feb. 2026
  • Justin Trudeau – like him or don’t like him – Canadians are wonderful people.
    Lizzie Lanuza, StyleCaster, 24 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • Hasal, however, stood up to the task, denying the penalty attempt with a diving save to Nielsen’s great relief.
    Josh Gross, Daily News, 25 Feb. 2026
  • The Agnus Dei begins in glum realization that there may be no compensation for humanity’s great sins when, again astonishingly without expectation, one of Beethoven’s uniquely wondrous melodies takes over.
    Classical Music Critic, Los Angeles Times, 25 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • Gain lifetime access to all of this amazing content for one of 25 languages.
    Tory Johnson, ABC News, 25 Feb. 2026
  • That was an amazing period of time.
    TIME Staff, Time, 25 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • Chelsea have followed that path while spending on transfers at an unprecedented level, last season recording the highest pre-tax loss in English football history (£342m), according to data released by UEFA on Thursday.
    Oliver Kay, New York Times, 28 Feb. 2026
  • Although the company’s profit nearly doubled in the fourth quarter and sales reached an all-time high, Wall Street seemed disappointed by its somewhat lackluster outlook.
    Auzinea Bacon, CNN Money, 28 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • These advances were all miraculous in their day.
    Justin Davidson, Curbed, 26 Feb. 2026
  • Set to shoot in Kentucky in April, the film is based on the viral true story of Jeff Callaway and the rescue dog Ethan, whose miraculous survival inspired the world and led to meaningful changes to animal cruelty laws in Kentucky.
    Matt Grobar, Deadline, 23 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • Tilt and the gallant escort was replaced by a boy too traumatized to leave his mother’s side.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 20 Jan. 2026
  • While Son of Hitler takes plenty of creative liberty when the titular character is recruited to assassinate his famous father for the Allies, the fate of the real-life Loret isn’t so gallant.
    Rosemary Counter, Vanity Fair, 19 Jan. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Sublime.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sublime. Accessed 2 Mar. 2026.

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