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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

Examples 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 more Jenna exhausts herself, the more the moment of sublime beauty becomes one of intense, harrowing pain. Manuel Betancourt, Variety, 18 Dec. 2024 Tour was somehow even better, and every show was professionally recorded: three hours of music drawn from an immaculate solo catalog and a few sublime covers, delivered by a band capable of reinventing the setlist every night. Rolling Stone, 28 Dec. 2024 His gift for composition, pacing, and sublime color matches his keen wit and curiosity, which means this is an unmatched Christmas movie, among the most serious ever made. Armond White, National Review, 20 Dec. 2024 And summer’s performance is no less divine, As green cloaks the earth with its blanket sublime. Paul Cappiello, The Courier-Journal, 20 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for sublime 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sublime
Adjective
  • Part of its role was to rehabilitate drug addicts using a naval regimen—a noble yet undignified service for a generation-defining yacht.
    Tristan Rutherford, Robb Report, 3 Jan. 2025
  • But, then, in a great and noble second act, the former president travels the world spreading goodness, peace and light while helping build safe and affordable housing for the needy and fighting the twin scourges of poverty and disease.
    Mark Barabak, The Mercury News, 1 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • Having the Internet all the time was astonishing and felt like the future.
    Ars Technica, Ars Technica, 8 Jan. 2025
  • The Spurs rookie is averaging 1.0 steals and an astonishing 3.9 blocks per game this season.
    Dan Perry, Newsweek, 3 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • Finance chief Amy Hood said in October that revenue growth from Microsoft’s Azure cloud will speed up in the first half of this year because of greater AI infrastructure capacity.
    Jordan Novet, CNBC, 9 Jan. 2025
  • The multiple tote bags Elsbeth drags around are a great example of this.
    Rachel Elspeth Gross, Forbes, 8 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • The property’s prime location is also close to the launch sites of the area’s famed hot air balloon rides, which are a wonderful way to take in the spectacular views of the otherworldly land formations.
    Sandra MacGregor, Forbes, 15 Jan. 2025
  • At 6-2, 202 pounds, Will Johnson has excellent size and length for a cornerback and would be a wonderful complement to Gardner.
    Antwan Staley, New York Daily News, 15 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • Enjoy a pristine beach experience without high rises, hotels, and other development, and with the comfort of restrooms, showers, and picnic pavilions.
    Lisa Cericola, Southern Living, 17 Jan. 2025
  • His output was also defined by his personal celebrity—a folksy, chain-smoking former Eagle Scout who produced art of high complexity while also rhapsodizing about the simple pleasures of eating a doughnut with a cup of coffee.
    David Sims, The Atlantic, 17 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • The ones that look amazing until the light hits just right, and suddenly they’re see-through.
    Boutayna Chokrane, WIRED, 16 Jan. 2025
  • This amazing five-piece band has more than 20 years of industry experience.
    Philip Potempa, Chicago Tribune, 16 Jan. 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
  • One mom dog who survived being shot four times shortly after giving birth to 11 puppies is making a miraculous recovery thanks to the kindness of generous donors.
    Gil Macias, People.com, 12 Jan. 2025
  • To get in touch with the miraculous Francis, the folkloric Francis, read the Fioretti, or The Little Flowers of St. Francis, a 14th-century collection of tales about the saint and his friars.
    James Parker, The Atlantic, 10 Jan. 2025

Thesaurus Entries Near sublime

Cite this Entry

“Sublime.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sublime. Accessed 20 Jan. 2025.

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