rapture 1 of 2

Definition of rapturenext

rapture

2 of 2

verb

as in to delight
to fill with overwhelming emotion (as wonder or delight) nature lovers will be raptured by the documentary's breathtaking cinematography

Synonyms & Similar Words

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
Who would be taken in the rapture? Brendan Rascius, Miami Herald, 24 Sep. 2025 Multiple people have thrown their support behind Mhlakela’s theory, with several of them promising to apologize to their followers on social media if the rapture failed to happen. Jordan King, MSNBC Newsweek, 24 Sep. 2025
Verb
For a movie about an apocalyptic clash of vampires and gangsters, Sinners has moments of unexpected jubilance, even rapture. A.a. Dowd, Rolling Stone, 17 Apr. 2025 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 See All Example Sentences for rapture
Recent Examples of Synonyms for rapture
Noun
  • Those tests came back positive for ecstasy, methamphetamine, and/or ketamine, authorities said.
    Ana Maria Soler, CBS News, 5 Feb. 2026
  • The deputy searched Jamall and his belongings, finding insulin in his luggage and two ecstasy pills in his pocket.
    Christopher Damien, USA Today, 1 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • SciAm always educates and delights me, and inspires a sense of awe for our vast, beautiful universe.
    Claire Cameron, Scientific American, 10 Feb. 2026
  • An artful renovation has given the Farmhouse—the sixth stay within the Inns of Aurora Resort & Spa campus—a distinctive design, with an impressive art collection and interiors that delight the eye.
    Paul Brady, Travel + Leisure, 10 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • Kendrick Lamar and Chanel are a match made in fashion heaven, and on Sunday night the two made history.
    Alexandra Hildreth, Vogue, 2 Feb. 2026
  • Close by, Cassiopeia the Queen and Cepheus the King hang high in the northwest heavens in the early evening.
    Mike Lynch, Twin Cities, 1 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • As someone who’s been entranced by cars ever since high school, Toliver uses his car obsession as a vehicle for his own sonic discovery.
    Cerys Davies, Los Angeles Times, 30 Jan. 2026
  • The caveat is that they are both entranced by a dream rather than the reality of what a partnership needs.
    Lisa Stardust, PEOPLE, 9 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • While the 27-year-old skater was brought to tears after seeing her final time, Paul was in the stands doing the same, surrounded by her family, who also couldn’t help but cry tears of joy.
    Scott Thompson, FOXNews.com, 10 Feb. 2026
  • Breezy Johnson, who won gold in the women's downhill alpine skiing event on Sunday, made the mistake of jumping for joy while celebrating her big achievement.
    Shania Russell, Entertainment Weekly, 9 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • For Valentine’s Day 2026, Avianca transported more than 19,000 tons of flowers from Colombia and Ecuador, a 6% uptick from last year.
    Alexandra Skores, CNN Money, 12 Feb. 2026
  • Two victims were airlifted to a hospital with serious or life-threatening injuries, police said, and a third victim died while being transported to the hospital.
    Alexandra Koch , Michael Sinkewicz, FOXNews.com, 11 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • This boy will bring so much love and happiness to your home.
    Will Richmond, The Providence Journal, 14 Feb. 2026
  • After Tuesday’s Mega Millions, Fantasy 5, Jackpot Triple Play and Cash4Life drawings, there was happiness in Hialeah and suburban Broward County.
    David J. Neal, Miami Herald, 11 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • And no matter how formal or casual the gathering, every host is always looking for an easy, crowd-pleasing appetizer to start the party.
    Krissy Tiglias, Southern Living, 7 Feb. 2026
  • YouTubers try to make videos that please the YouTube algorithm.
    Bill Chappell, NPR, 7 Feb. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Rapture.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/rapture. Accessed 15 Feb. 2026.

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