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
  • The museum's very name beautifully encapsulates its noble mission of bridging the rich tapestry of Bali's past, its vibrant present and the promising horizons of its future.
    Roger Sands, Forbes, 7 Mar. 2025
  • The science-fiction saga sees two forces who fight for control of the galaxy, the noble Ones and the evil Zeros, descending upon the French fishing village of Audresselles and trying to recruit the locals to their respective causes.
    Christian Zilko, IndieWire, 7 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • 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
  • 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
Adjective
  • By Nellie Bowles March 31, 2020 Get Outside and Safely Visit a National Park Now is the time to start looking ahead, to spring and summer excursions in the great outdoors.
    Aatish Bhatia, New York Times, 10 Mar. 2025
  • Although Seattle’s skill talent has been great, Smith has never played behind even an average offensive line, and his last two offensive coordinators weren’t good enough to keep their jobs.
    Michael-Shawn Dugar, The Athletic, 10 Mar. 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 if your neighborhood doesn’t, start one! Start a Book or Card Club There’s so many wonderful books out there just waiting to be discussed.
    Lauryn Higgins, Flow Space, 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
  • Borrowing for defense That benefit won’t materialize, however, if the higher spending is financed with tax hikes rather than government borrowing, Ilzetzki wrote in his report.
    Anna Cooban, CNN, 6 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • Grateful for the Eagles Organization, grateful for my team, grateful for the amazing fans in Philly.
    Ben Church, CNN, 5 Mar. 2025
  • Learn about some of the native plants and animals that make Volusia County such an amazing place.
    Joe Rassel, Orlando Sentinel, 5 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • In stereotypical movies, the gallant hero saves the damsel through daring, dramatic action.
    Amanda Nguyen, TIME, 3 Mar. 2025
  • 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
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!