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 On the pitch, Mbappé boasts a sublime combination of power and elegance. Aidan McLaughlin, Vanity Fair, 12 May 2026 Scottish weather is much maligned, but our summers are sublime, and the long daylight feels like a real luxury. Riza Cruz, Vogue, 11 May 2026 But Brunson, as usual, was sublime, wrong-footing the 76ers over and over with his staccato moves and magnetized shots. Louisa Thomas, New Yorker, 10 May 2026 So sublime was the region that many credit it with being the birthplace of British tourism. Cyrus Dunham, Architectural Digest, 30 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for sublime
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sublime
Adjective
  • Depicting the Norman conquest of England 1100 years ago, the Bayeux tapestry is an astonishing 230 feet long and, according to the British Museum, features 58 scenes, each rendered in colored wool embroidery on flax.
    Anne Doran, ARTnews.com, 14 May 2026
  • McConaughey had just been asked about the future of Hollywood, given the astonishing advances of AI.
    Todd Spangler, Variety, 14 May 2026
Adjective
  • Yet that cannot be wielded, either logically or honestly, as an excuse for imposing war on the noble Cuban people.
    Kathryn Watson, CBS News, 18 May 2026
  • Which is a noble aim, though the parable might register more potently if Athane and Nguyen looked beyond the most obvious of clichés.
    Richard Lawson, HollywoodReporter, 17 May 2026
Adjective
  • The aesthetic is going to go a lot of different places across Season 8, too, including two episodes in the round and the finale, which Badner wouldn’t dare spoil but is proud of the wonderful collaboration between the production design, camera, and lighting teams.
    Sarah Shachat, IndieWire, 19 May 2026
  • Shrubs, such as American filbert (Corylus americana), are a wonderful way to add interest to your landscape throughout multiple seasons.
    Madeline Buiano, Martha Stewart, 19 May 2026
Adjective
  • The eye-catching color gives off instant vacation vibes, and looks great under a breezy white button-down or simply worn with the matching high-rise bottoms.
    Sophie Dodd, Travel + Leisure, 20 May 2026
  • The young people who pick up popular science books at the library tend to be deeply curious and self-motivated—qualities that also characterize great researchers.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 20 May 2026
Adjective
  • This blend is absolutely amazing.
    Footwear News, Footwear News, 13 May 2026
  • These next-gen helicopters are going to be amazing.
    Omar Kardoudi May 13, New Atlas, 13 May 2026
Adjective
  • But the barrier to entry is higher than usual, given that the movie is a continuation of a TV show that has been on for three seasons.
    Brendan Morrow, USA Today, 16 May 2026
  • For those wishing to hone their game, The Kingdom at Reynolds Lake Oconee, created in partnership with TaylorMade, offers innovative technology and personal instruction at the highest level.
    Robb Report Studio, Robb Report, 16 May 2026
Adjective
  • Somehow, though, the concept feels miraculous every time.
    Guy Lodge, Variety, 14 May 2026
  • Unless Buium hits quickly, Rossi ascends greater than can be reasonably expected and Elias Pettersson’s career makes a miraculous turnaround, the likely declines of eventual 30-year-olds Boeser, DeBrusk, Hronek and Marcus Pettersson are a major factor.
    Dom Luszczyszyn, New York Times, 11 May 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 21 May. 2026.

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