Definition of sublimenext
1
2

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 Beck’s first album in seven years is a sublime return to the somber folk-rock of career highpoints like 2002’s Sea Change and 2014’s Morning Phase. — Jon Dolan, Rolling Stone, 18 Sep. 2026 Six came in a sublime inning of good contact and runners in motion against the Houston Astros. — Matt Gelb, New York Times, 16 Sep. 2026 Niemann, who set a record with nine victories in the LIV Golf League, was superb in keeping his iron shots below the wind and his finishing kick was sublime, with no putt longer than 7 feet during his late run of birdies. — ABC News, 10 Sep. 2026 The character is a type-A perfect student who never has a single hair out of place — a way of being that Gerber has stepped into after years in the fashion industry where perfection is often equated with sublime beauty. — Michel Ghanem, CNN Money, 9 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for sublime
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sublime
Adjective
  • OpenAI, the maker of ChatGPT, had recently disclosed astonishing details about how its artificial intelligence agents had broken out of their systems, hacked into another company and tried to cover their tracks.
    — Gerrit De Vynck, Washington Post, 2 Oct. 2026
  • Beyond attempting to smooth the industry’s many ruffled feathers, Hollywood’s newest mogul must now also wrestle down an astonishing $80 billion in debt accrued as a result of this highly leveraged merger.
    — Stacy Perman, Los Angeles Times, 28 Sep. 2026
Adjective
  • Meanwhile, America is now in the war, and veteran Adam is seemingly the only person in Salinas who realizes that this isn’t necessarily a noble thing.
    — Roxana Hadadi, Vulture, 2 Oct. 2026
  • The job called for an officer with enough status to deal with admirals, generals, and prime ministers with noble titles.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 30 Sep. 2026
Adjective
  • Guests have access to the wonderful 18-hole course next door.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 30 Sep. 2026
  • With the Moon in your sign opposing Venus in your partnership zone, affection could feel wonderful one minute and intrusive the next.
    — Tarot.com, Baltimore Sun, 29 Sep. 2026
Adjective
  • The rich collections do a great job of honoring visual traditions and explaining their connections to real people and real places.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 4 Oct. 2026
  • Despite deep-rooted tensions between southerners and the PLC, both are in agreement that the Houthi threat is far greater than that of the other.
    — Brady Knox, The Washington Examiner, 4 Oct. 2026
Adjective
  • Bieber described Sephora as an amazing think-partner, letting Rhode run free with its concept.
    — Jennifer Weil, Footwear News, 30 Sep. 2026
  • You guys had such an amazing blend as singers—the two of you and Denny Laine.
    — Kristin Robinson, Billboard, 29 Sep. 2026
Adjective
  • The Mechanics In both cases, regulators allege the fund advisers marketed themselves as having access to stakes in high profile private companies.
    — Amanda Gerut, Fortune, 1 Oct. 2026
  • In March 2025, Moncler Grenoble traveled to Courchevel, the French Alps ski resort located in the Tarentaise Valley, and the show was staged amid a blizzard at the Courchevel Altiport, Europe’s highest airport at 6,588 feet.
    — Luisa Zargani, Footwear News, 1 Oct. 2026
Adjective
  • The Broncos pulled off three miraculous trick plays in the final seconds of regulation and overtime to stun legendary running back Adrian Peterson and the powerhouse Sooners.
    — Shaun Goodwin, Idaho Statesman, 3 Oct. 2026
  • Continue reading … BOLT FROM ABOVE — Couple recounts 'miraculous' rescue after surviving harrowing lightning strike during evening stroll.
    — , FOXNews.com, 24 Sep. 2026
Adjective
  • First to one knee and then all the way up like a gallant fighter gathering himself.
    — Mike Lupica, New York Daily News, 11 Sep. 2026
  • Clearly, Americans didn’t do gallant failure, instead demanding domination over mere participation every time.
    — Terry Baddoo, USA Today, 14 June 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Sublime.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sublime. Accessed 5 Oct. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on sublime

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!