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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 Howard was sublime throughout the College Football Playoff. Blake Toppmeyer, USA TODAY, 24 July 2025 Wednesday night was both excruciating and sublime; two-strike pitches hit for fly outs brought audible groans from fans. Barry M. Bloom, Sportico.com, 3 July 2025 The migas taco is a sublime blend of flavor and texture, packed with a twirl of supple eggs, gooey cheese and crunchy tortilla strips. Matthew Odam, Austin American Statesman, 2 July 2025 The weather was sublime, the food was tasty, Mummy was smiling. Stephanie Nolasco , Ashley Papa, FOXNews.com, 13 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for sublime
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sublime
Adjective
  • By sincerely comforting and relying on each other, their love becomes noble.
    Joan MacDonald, Forbes.com, 12 Aug. 2025
  • Like the book, the show is predicated on a classic Gilded Age bargain: American heiresses fill the dwindling coffers of the British peerage; correspondingly eligible dukes and lords bestow a noble title that papers over a nouveau-riche designation.
    Elle Carroll, Vulture, 11 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • Its share price has spiked an astonishing 365% year to date, including a 150% surge in just over a month. MP’s market cap has risen from just over $2 billion to $13 billion, entering large-cap territory—not bad for a company that brought in just $204 million in revenue last year.
    Jordan Blum, Fortune, 12 Aug. 2025
  • Kirkpatrick’s final estimate is an astonishing $3.4 billion.
    David Remnick, New Yorker, 11 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • There is no greater disparity in the polls than the Sooners checking in at No. 18 in the AP and being the best of the rest among the coaches who voted.
    Tom Layberger, Forbes.com, 13 Aug. 2025
  • By many measures, Alonso was already the greatest home run hitter in Mets history.
    Abbey Mastracco, New York Daily News, 13 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • Caring, smart and fun with a wonderful calming Zen demeanor.
    Lauren Huff Published, EW.com, 8 Aug. 2025
  • Preserving history is wonderful, but so is safety. — Mary Ellen Stepowany, Baltimore Add your voice: Respond to this piece or other Sun content by submitting your own letter.
    Reader Commentary, Baltimore Sun, 6 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • Working out five days a week, eating clean (high protein, low carb), always checking my fitness tracker.
    Saomya Bhatt, Vogue, 7 Aug. 2025
  • Paramount settled for $16 million, to go to Trump’s future presidential library, but Trump later claimed that the sum was higher, with an additional $16 million in PSAs and ads.
    Ted Johnson, Deadline, 7 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • But each was just a short hop from Tokyo, and the payoff was a deep dive into the many famous temples, shrines and amazing gastronomy of the area.
    Larry Olmsted, Forbes.com, 7 Aug. 2025
  • Thornton, who graduated from the former Benjamin Franklin High School in East Harlem, was a neighborhood blacktop legend at Rucker Park in the 1980s who entertained thousands of fans at Harlem courts with his amazing moves.
    Kerry Burke, New York Daily News, 6 Aug. 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
  • Three years after a 10-year-old boy endured a vicious shark attack that took his right leg below the knee, the now-teen is sharing his story of the life-altering encounter and miraculous series of events that culminated in his survival.
    Stephen Sorace, FOXNews.com, 4 Aug. 2025
  • Emergency room doctors see the worst-case scenarios, the weird fluke accidents, the mysterious ailments and miraculous recoveries.
    Angela Haupt, Time, 4 Aug. 2025

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Cite this Entry

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

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