1
2

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 book really captures movement as something terrifying, sublime, and hopeful. The New Yorker, 22 Jan. 2025 Redemption was swift and sublime for Bart Verbruggen against Chelsea. Andy Naylor, The Athletic, 15 Feb. 2025 So much of Lynch’s famous sensibility is conveyed without words: the terror, absurdity, wild pain and sublime beauty and distinctly American ambient psychosis, the sincerity beneath it all. Meaghan Garvey, Pitchfork, 13 Feb. 2025 Speculation swirled Wednesday that the Heat getting Kevin Durant in this complicated, four-team exchange actually was a possibility, and that would have been sublime. Greg Cote, Miami Herald, 6 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for sublime
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sublime
Adjective
  • Any algorithmic bias, no matter how noble, that promotes cooperation skews strategy and statecraft.
    Tom Rogers, Newsweek, 21 Feb. 2025
  • Sadly, this noble, ocean-going species is on the decline throughout its native range, with many runs listed as threatened or endangered.
    Dac Collins, Outdoor Life, 20 Feb. 2025
Adjective
  • Nvidia's astonishing market ride rests on the assumption that AI will be the tech industry's next universal platform and that demand for AI products and services will be massive.
    Scott Rosenberg, Axios, 26 Feb. 2025
  • This contradicts the classic anthropomorphic analogies of Disney’s Pinocchio and Dumbo, as well as The Little Prince, The Iron Giant, Babe and Babe: Pig in the City, and Zack Snyder’s astonishing Legend of the Guardians: The Owls of Ga’hoole.
    Armond White, National Review, 26 Feb. 2025
Adjective
  • Neither of them were the person who issued the bounty, which came from Alexis Ohanian, the co-founder of Reddit, husband of all-time tennis great Serena Williams and a lifelong Commanders fan, less than a week before Carrion pulled the card.
    Larry Holder, The Athletic, 25 Feb. 2025
  • Those extra hours—for fewer rewards—can contribute to women’s greater fatigue, health problems, and burnout.
    Michelle Travis, Forbes, 25 Feb. 2025
Adjective
  • So actually, the story can be looked at as a celebration of the fact that your disability can just be one wonderful part of you.
    Esme Mazzeo, Vulture, 4 Mar. 2025
  • And now my wonderful desk light is starting to flicker.
    Inga, San Diego Union-Tribune, 3 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • No manager in the American or National League history has won games at a higher clip than Roberts’ .627 winning percentage, and only the Texas Rangers’ Bruce Bochy has more postseason wins (57) among active managers.
    Fabian Ardaya, The Athletic, 7 Mar. 2025
  • The goal is for Loam Entertainment to place executives in both Los Angeles and Tennessee to focus on developing high concept entertainment.
    Matt Minton, Variety, 6 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • The Sennheiser Momentum 4 Wireless headphones, now $117 off, deliver amazing sound, top-notch noise cancellation, and a 60-hour battery life.
    Shubham Yewale, PCMAG, 5 Mar. 2025
  • Grateful for the Eagles Organization, grateful for my team, grateful for the amazing fans in Philly.
    Ben Church, CNN, 5 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • But at the very end, America's Democratic majority came home to Carter in a late surge that flooded polling places in party strongholds across the nation and stopped Ford's gallant comeback just short of victory.
    Peter Goldman, Newsweek, 29 Dec. 2024
  • The Bears had mounted a gallant comeback in the second half against the best team in football and were in a position to tie the score with a field goal or win the game with a touchdown.
    Steve Silverman, Forbes, 29 Nov. 2024
Adjective
  • Now, in order to help Ao Bing’s soul recover his tangible body, Ne Zha will have to hide his identity as a demon, overcome multiple obstacles to become an immortal, and obtain a miraculous elixir to aid his pal.
    Carlos Aguilar, Variety, 2 Mar. 2025
  • Over the past 50 years, medicine has made miraculous advances in treating leukemia and other cancers affecting kids, largely due to research supported by the National Institutes of Health.
    Benjamin Mazer, The Atlantic, 27 Feb. 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Sublime.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sublime. Accessed 12 Mar. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on sublime

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!