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 marvellous

causing wonder or astonishment the sublime beauty of the firmament

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 This is a sublime and regal Armagnac, with all elements existing in perfect harmony. —

Joseph V Micallef, Forbes, 18 Jan. 2025 No one does anything in these paintings except turn their back on the viewer and stare forlornly at the world in all its sublime majesty, which Friedrich suggests is a mirror for the world within. —

Jerry Saltz, Vulture, 7 Feb. 2025 Luminous writing tempers this memoir of an arduous trail with moments of sublime beauty. —

The Know, The Denver Post, 1 Feb. 2025 Photo by Beth Ruggiero-York/Shutterstock Seeing the aurora borealis, otherwise known as the northern lights, is bearing witness to a sublime natural phenomenon. —

Bailey Berg, AFAR Media, 16 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for sublime

Recent Examples of Synonyms for sublime

Adjective

Where to stay: Patria Palace Book now: Patria Palace Located in the heart of Lecce’s centro storico, just steps from the Basilica di Santa Croce, this 58-room boutique hotel occupies an 18th-century noble palace.

— Laura Itzkowitz, AFAR Media, 15 Jan. 2025
As the nation mourns the demise of this noble humanitarian and tributes pour in from all over the world, the differences between the qualities and attributes of the 39th President and the incoming 47th President are stark and undeniable.

— Reader Commentary, Baltimore Sun, 8 Jan. 2025