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 Florence and Cinque Terre are similarly iconic, drawing visitors with Renaissance art, pastel-colored villages, and sublime coastal views. Alex Ledsom, Forbes.com, 10 Aug. 2026 As a refined grand-touring convertible, the Amalfi Spider is sublime. Howard Walker, Robb Report, 7 Aug. 2026 Using peak-season tomatoes and peaches elevates low-effort salad from delicious to sublime. Ellie Krieger, Washington Post, 4 Aug. 2026 Prepare it with care, smart technique and sublime ingredients? Scott Hocker, TheWeek, 29 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for sublime
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sublime
Adjective
  • The astonishing social movements of the decade—particularly the black freedom struggle and the antiwar movement—could have produced a more durable sense of solidarity and collective possibilities.
    Maggie McGowan, The New York Review of Books, 5 Sep. 2026
  • One of the best actors working today, Coon essentially plays two different sides of Rita with astonishing range across these chronologies, portraying the past and the present of her character through distinctive markers.
    Tomris Laffly, Variety, 5 Sep. 2026
Adjective
  • For an heir to the throne, however, marrying a woman without royal blood or a noble title was discouraged.
    Stefania Conrieri, Vanity Fair, 28 Aug. 2026
  • But, of course, Cullen will always be remembered as Optimus Prime, the leader of the noble Autobots in numerous iterations of Transformers lore.
    Mike Ryan, IndieWire, 27 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • The coast on this part of Tuscany is a little wild, but wonderful for swimming, and guests have access to the boat for excursions to nearby islands and morning swims off secret coves.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 3 Sep. 2026
  • Gloria lived a full, wonderful life filled with friends and great conversations and worthy causes.
    Joey Nolfi, Entertainment Weekly, 3 Sep. 2026
Adjective
  • Countries with far smaller digital ecosystems, like Cambodia and Laos, have even greater struggles to attract and retain AI talent.
    Brian Wong, Fortune, 6 Sep. 2026
  • The tropical cyclone reached Category 5, defined by sustained winds of 157 mph or greater, overnight Friday before losing some of its steam and settling into Category 4’s limits of sustained winds of 130 to 156 mph by Saturday.
    Dennis Romero, NBC news, 6 Sep. 2026
Adjective
  • Is there an argument to be made that John Schneider is doing an amazing job this year amid injuries, tough breaks and high expectations from the Jays faithful?
    Mitch Bannon, New York Times, 9 Sep. 2026
  • Looking down at planes below Working on the 105th floor, Dadakis said, was an amazing experience.
    Christopher Keating, Hartford Courant, 6 Sep. 2026
Adjective
  • The data set shows the Hong Kong chief executive is the second-highest earner ​globally with $719,000 annually, followed by the Swiss president at $606,000.
    Reuters, NBC news, 9 Sep. 2026
  • Summer is finally nearing its end, though the high temperatures linger, making any thought of hot chocolate and curling up in blankets on the couch dangerous.
    Brenda Looper, Arkansas Online, 9 Sep. 2026
Adjective
  • If the Broncos have a miraculous 17-0 season, Payton would pass Marty Schottenheimer (200).
    Saad Yousuf, New York Times, 9 Sep. 2026
  • In an escape bordering on the miraculous, the crash somehow spared motorists on Milam Dairy Road and terrified workers in a bustling industrial warehouse district west of the airport.
    Miami Herald Archives, Miami Herald, 8 Sep. 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 10 Sep. 2026.

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