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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 silhouettes evoked an ’80s attitude with a modern twist, while his use of silk and linen in soft seaside tones was simply sublime. Sandra Salibian, Footwear News, 23 June 2025 In the original show, the character dynamics are sublime, as are the designs. Rafael Motamayor, Vulture, 4 June 2025 Besides, Mexicans have a far better dish that combines the soft with the crunchy to create something sublime. Gustavo Arellano, Los Angeles Times, 20 June 2025 Not only has the film already received rave reviews ahead of its June 27 release for its deeply personal and captivating storyline and sublime cast and acting, but the independent film is also making history by being entirely self-financed and nationally distributed. Maia Niguel Hoskin, Forbes.com, 18 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for sublime
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sublime
Adjective
  • While the Packers’ support of Walker was noble, getting your head coach enraged is never a good idea.
    Rob Reischel, Forbes.com, 29 July 2025
  • On one hand, part of their appreciation for warning sirens lies in the noble purpose of preventing harm in the face of incipient natural disasters.
    Claudia Levens, jsonline.com, 25 July 2025
Adjective
  • Her astonishing haul has left some speculating that Ocasio-Cortez may be eyeing higher office, whether a seat in the Senate or a White House run in 2028.
    Mia Cathell, The Washington Examiner, 19 July 2025
  • Millennial spending rose 10%, while Gen Z cardholders grew their spend at a somewhat astonishing 40% (albeit from a smaller base).
    Lily Mae Lazarus, Fortune, 18 July 2025
Adjective
  • Their actions involved great risk, and some mothers themselves were disappeared by the military.
    Graciela Mochkofsky, New Yorker, 31 July 2025
  • With a solid data foundation, external factors like fuel prices or carrier availability can be incorporated into planning with greater confidence.
    Clemente Theotokis, Forbes.com, 31 July 2025
Adjective
  • Brad Schmitt Hey there, new neighbors, and welcome back to our intro to Nashville and all the wonderful things the city has to offer you.
    Brad Schmitt, The Tennessean, 26 July 2025
  • Happy Birthday – and may every day be another wonderful secret.
    Aysha Bagchi, USA Today, 26 July 2025
Adjective
  • In Kentucky, the teen firearm suicide rate is 82.5% higher than the national average, according to gun death statistics maintained by the CDC.
    Stephanie Kuzydym, The Courier-Journal, 29 July 2025
  • And the stakes in Oklahoma are high – as of July, federal data shows all 77 of the state's counties were experiencing some level of shortage of mental health professionals.
    Beth Wallis, NPR, 28 July 2025
Adjective
  • Apple’s iOS 26 is coming this fall, along with some amazing new features for your iPhone, many of which are powered by Apple Intelligence AI — alongside a new design language dubbed Liquid Glass.
    Kate O'Flaherty, Forbes.com, 14 July 2025
  • The shoes have amazing cushioning that provides serious support, which was ideal for long walks in Athens.
    Alexis Benveniste, Travel + Leisure, 14 July 2025
Adjective
  • In 1951, George Reeves played the gallant superhero in the first feature film based on a DC Comics character, Superman and the Mole Man.
    Zoey Lyttle, People.com, 11 July 2025
  • Fiennes exhibits that side of him without apology, which only makes his gallant side feel all the more genuine.
    Joe Reid, Vulture, 12 June 2025
Adjective
  • Osbourne’s public rebirth with The Osbournes—the MTV reality series that ran from 2002 to 2005—transmuted his erratic nature and past struggles into a miraculous joke.
    Spencer Kornhaber, The Atlantic, 23 July 2025
  • The original statue in Manila was brought to the Philippines in 1606 and faithful around the world have attributed miraculous healing properties to the statue.
    Emilie Takahashi, Oc Register, 22 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Sublime.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sublime. Accessed 3 Aug. 2025.

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