SUBLIME Synonyms: 164 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

sublime

adjective

sə-ˈblīm

Definition of sublime next

as in astonishing

causing wonder or astonishment the sublime beauty of the firmament

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in noble

having, characterized by, or arising from a dignified and generous nature the sublime virtue of having given all one's worldly goods to the poor

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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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 Duplass could not have wished for better preparation for material of this nature than his work as producer and director of six episodes — including the pilot — of HBO’s sublime Bridget Everett series Somebody Somewhere. —

David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 27 Jan. 2026 Slightly cropped trousers revealed the shaft of sublime flat boots. —

Rachel Tashjian, CNN Money, 26 Jan. 2026 Elsewhere, the Long Pool Cabana offers a sublime modern Japanese menu, with a few further Asian extras thrown in for good measure. —

Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 22 Jan. 2026 Double drill Arkansas guard Meleek Thomas enjoyed a sublime stretch in the first half to help the Hogs build their largest lead of 20 points. —

Tom Murphy, Arkansas Online, 21 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for sublime

Recent Examples of Synonyms for sublime

Adjective

With the Games heading to France in 2030, there is work underway to include this astonishing sport into the schedule, but Billy says the speed skiing community is also content with its current position.

— Ben Church, CNN Money, 4 Feb. 2026
To belittle the journalist asking about these claims in such sexist terms is astonishing.

— Kathleen Walsh, Glamour, 4 Feb. 2026

Definition of astonishing

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subletting

sublime

sublimeness

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“Sublime.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sublime. Accessed 14 Feb. 2026.

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Last Updated: 14 Feb 2026 - Updated example sentences

Synonyms of sublime

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