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 15,000-square-foot Patina Wellness floor is a haven for intentional health-tech sessions (think cryo and hyperbaric oxygen therapies) alongside sublime spa treatments. Travel + Leisure Editors, Travel + Leisure, 15 Apr. 2026 Samba Jean-Baptiste’s music dwells in the semi-sublime state of being bored and stoned. Emma Madden, Pitchfork, 14 Apr. 2026 In 2023, before a sublime run to the title, UConn went 14-8 in the Big East and bowed out to Marquette in the conference semifinals. Kels Dayton, Hartford Courant, 5 Apr. 2026 Every scene is suspenseful and beautifully composed, but the sequences at the carnival and the tennis matches are particularly sublime. Wesley Stenzel, Entertainment Weekly, 4 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for sublime
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sublime
Adjective
  • Head there for a quieter gape at the astonishing mortar-free construction.
    Helen Brown, TheWeek, 30 Apr. 2026
  • Overall, this is astonishing work.
    ArsTechnica, ArsTechnica, 30 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • The people behind Fire in the Mountains have teamed with the Firekeeper Alliance, a nonprofit organization dedicated to suicide prevention and mental wellness for the Blackfeet Nation community, making the festival’s raison d’être feel more noble than your standard summer shindig.
    David Harris, SPIN, 27 Apr. 2026
  • That’s the noble and righteous and the principled path sports should walk.
    Dave Hyde, Sun Sentinel, 27 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • There is great teaching going on, the principal is wonderful.
    Fort Worth Star-Telegram, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 28 Apr. 2026
  • Claire has been an advocate for courageous stories, an expert at complicated logistics and a wonderful partner to teams across the entire news division.
    Brian Steinberg, Variety, 27 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • After Marcus’s ground ball, everybody took great at-bats.
    Abbey Mastracco, New York Daily News, 29 Apr. 2026
  • Cherry blossoms great guests at the front foyer.
    Kathryn Palmer, USA Today, 29 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • To get a sentence like that in a communist, radically left-wing city of liberal lunatics is truly amazing.
    Voice of the People, New York Daily News, 29 Apr. 2026
  • The best was this amazing movie with Isabelle Huppert and Gerard Depardieu.
    Matt Donnelly, Variety, 29 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • His elite pass protection and calm feet mean he can be trusted immediately to keep the quarterback clean on passing downs, while also providing a high-effort presence on special teams.
    Dieter Kurtenbach, Mercury News, 25 Apr. 2026
  • Cameras now deploy ever higher frame rates, as seen in the uncanny sheen of blockbusters by James Cameron and Peter Jackson, and films are shot, shown, and restored on ever higher resolutions (4K, 8K, and beyond).
    Dennis Lim, The New York Review of Books, 25 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • In my own haze of 'round-the-clock feeds and first-time-parent anxiety, my mom seemed something of a miraculous blur.
    Betsy Cribb Watson, Southern Living, 26 Apr. 2026
  • The Atlanta Hawks guard had just led a miraculous comeback in Game 2 of a first-round playoff series against the New York Knicks.
    Fred Katz, New York Times, 23 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • But the Ballances were more than gallant warriors – in fact, a life-size oil painting of Marti’s great-grandfather Charles Ballance’s wife and children – including her grandfather Willis as a 3-year-old – hangs in a place of honor at the Illinois State Museum in Springfield.
    Denise Crosby, Chicago Tribune, 17 Apr. 2026
  • And Texas made a gallant comeback to tie the game at 77-77 when Pope coolly sank three consecutive free throws after getting fouled behind the arc with 3.8 seconds remaining.
    Kirk Bohls, Houston Chronicle, 8 Mar. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Sublime.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sublime. Accessed 1 May. 2026.

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