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 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 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 See All Example Sentences for sublime
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sublime
Adjective
  • The victory extended trainer Graham Motion’s astonishing summer stakes streak at Del Mar to eight wins since 2022.
    Jay Posner, Los Angeles Times, 30 Aug. 2026
  • Correspondent Lee Cowan looks back at the astonishing career of the queen of country music.
    David Morgan, CBS News, 28 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • At least that bad-optics outburst, while insubordinate, had something noble at its basis.
    Andrew Baggarly, New York Times, 25 Aug. 2026
  • Villa Celimontana dates to the 16th century, when it was developed as a noble residence on Caelian Hill, one of the seven hills of ancient Rome.
    Andrea Margolis, FOXNews.com, 24 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • Nature aside, Cape Town boasts a wonderful juxtaposition of old world architecture and contemporary design across its vibrant neighborhoods.
    Paul Jebara, Condé Nast Traveler, 27 Aug. 2026
  • Both films had wonderful ensembles, ingenious writing and an unmistakable sense of occasion.
    Seth Abramovitch, HollywoodReporter, 26 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • But there may be little anyone–government or corporate–can do to persuade people to have children amid greater economic uncertainty.
    Angelica Ang, Fortune, 30 Aug. 2026
  • From travel dresses to a lightweight sweater, here are 14 items from Quince’s Workwear Edit that would look great on you on your next flight, starting at $20.
    Jasmine Gomez, Travel + Leisure, 30 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • Nothing has had a life like that record, but it’s given me an amazing life.
    Lily Moayeri, SPIN, 31 Aug. 2026
  • Thousands of attendees had descended on the festival grounds, buoyed by—for lack of a better term—amazing vibes, despite temperatures north of 103 degrees.
    Biz Sherbert, Vogue, 30 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • Eastward to Morgan City, Louisiana, the surge could be as high as 3 feet, while southward along the Texas coast, the storm surge could be up to 2 feet as far south as San Luis Pass, the center stated.
    Dinah Voyles Pulver, USA Today, 2 Sep. 2026
  • Where companies such as Zero and Stark have pushed hard to gain high output numbers in order to win sales, Bonnell hopes to win them by building e-bikes that appeal to riders and enthusiasts at a more visceral level.
    New Atlas, New Atlas, 2 Sep. 2026
Adjective
  • That’s how Wagner found Daniel Paul, an architectural historian who researched and documented the 38-foot-tall cupola-style structure built in 1960 by Van Tassel, who ascribed it miraculous powers including antigravity, rejuvenation and time travel.
    Anthony Solorzano, Los Angeles Times, 1 Sep. 2026
  • Words like miraculous, inspirational, incredible, amazing and magical were just some of the adjectives heard at Friday’s event.
    Chris Hays, The Orlando Sentinel, 28 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 2 Sep. 2026.

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