rapture 1 of 2

rapture

2 of 2

verb

Synonym Chooser

How is the word rapture distinct from other similar nouns?

The words ecstasy and transport are common synonyms of rapture. While all three words mean "intense exaltation of mind and feelings," rapture usually implies intense bliss or beatitude.

in speechless rapture

How do ecstasy and rapture relate to one another?

Ecstasy and rapture both suggest a state of trance or near immobility produced by an overpowering emotion; ecstasy may apply to any strong emotion (such as joy, fear, rage, adoration).

religious ecstasy

When might transport be a better fit than rapture?

In some situations, the words transport and rapture are roughly equivalent. However, transport applies to any powerful emotion that lifts one out of oneself and usually provokes vehement expression or frenzied action.

in a transport of rage

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 rapture
Noun
News of his raptures spread widely, and Joseph became a sensation, drawing pilgrims and spectators from across the region hoping to bear witness. Emily Harnett, Harpers Magazine, 28 Mar. 2025 For intensity and sheer rapture, no celebration can match those that follow years and decades of disappointment. Oliver Kay, The Athletic, 19 Mar. 2025
Verb
Dispensationalism has an offensive reputation among many Jews because the End Times prophecy outlines an event in which Jews suffer mass slaughter while Christian believers are spared because God raptured them. Liam Adams, The Tennessean, 22 Nov. 2024 Yet Mendes mostly sees a cheap, useful instrument in Deakins—a shortcut to rapture. A.a. Dowd, Chron, 8 Dec. 2022 See All Example Sentences for rapture
Recent Examples of Synonyms for rapture
Noun
  • The New York Times reported last month that Musk used ketamine, ecstasy, and psychedelic mushrooms during his campaigning for Trump last year.
    Steve Inskeep, NPR, 6 June 2025
  • The publication also alleged that Musk used ecstasy and hallucinogenic mushrooms, and was known to travel with a pill box that contained Adderall, the ADHD treatment drug, which can be a stimulant for some.
    Meredith Kile, People.com, 2 June 2025
Verb
  • Anything to do with the arts and the entertainment world will delight you.
    Georgia Nicols, Denver Post, 16 June 2025
  • All About George, Charlotte, Louis, Archie and Lilibet Prince Louis, 7, Hilariously Copies Big Brother Prince George, 11, Flipping His Hair on Live TV When the royals gathered on the Buckingham Palace balcony for the event's grand finale, the aerial flypast, Prince Louis continued to delight.
    Stephanie Petit, People.com, 14 June 2025
Noun
  • The ball hit the back of the rim and soared into the heavens.
    James L. Edwards III, New York Times, 22 May 2025
  • One step below rocketing into the heavens, astrotourism is all about stargazing.
    David Christopher Kaufman, Air Mail, 17 May 2025
Verb
  • Byredo’s Mojave Ghost is a dry woody fragrance that will leave you (and those around you) entranced.
    Meghan Rose, Glamour, 4 June 2025
  • He also became entranced by Paul Simon’s two world music albums, Graceland and Rhythm of the Saints.
    Andy Greene, Rolling Stone, 3 June 2025
Noun
  • Moments of joy, oliberated by unforgettable sadness.
    Peter Debruge, Variety, 8 June 2025
  • Yet moments of sheer joy arrived sparingly, a balance in a greater storytelling arc involving introspection, anger, reflection, comfort, struggle, fear, confusion and spirituality.
    Bob Gendron, Chicago Tribune, 7 June 2025
Verb
  • The 175-footer serves as the central hub during the team’s global fishing tour, transporting smaller fishing boats, tons of fuel, and toys such as a two-person submersible, KTM electric dirt bikes, and a Bell 505 helicopter.
    Nicole Hoey, Robb Report, 10 June 2025
  • The girl, a resident of South Lake Tahoe, was transported to Barton Memorial Hospital with what the CHP called life-threatening injuries.
    By, Sacbee.com, 8 June 2025
Noun
  • Joe has feelings for Georgia but swallows them for her happiness.
    Erin Jensen, USA Today, 6 June 2025
  • Rather than unmitigated communion, which describes putting others first while sacrificing your happiness and well-being, other-centeredness is based on the philosophical idea that everyone’s needs are equally valuable and that interpersonal connections matter deeply.
    Mark Travers, Forbes.com, 4 June 2025
Verb
  • Those words, immodest, carried away with possibility and essentially romantic, are articulated in the new documentary Kerouac’s Road: The Beat of a Nation, which makes its premiere this evening at Tribeca Festival in New York.
    Matthew Carey, Deadline, 5 June 2025
  • Videos showed dozens of people in Khan Younis carrying away sacks of flour.
    Tim Lister, CNN Money, 31 May 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Rapture.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/rapture. Accessed 19 Jun. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on rapture

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

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