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

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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

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 Altadena, a racially diverse, middle-class community in the inland shadow of Pasadena, and Pacific Palisades, with its ocean breezes, sublime views and tear-downs starting in the millions, had little in common until they were both ravaged by the fires. —

Billy Witz, New York Times, 17 Jan. 2025 But the beauty and sublime expressiveness of his voice transcends language as surely as Shorter’s exquisite, constantly probing musicianship. —

George Varga, The Mercury News, 12 Jan. 2025 Isak’s silkiness is sublime, and check out his composure and clinical finish for his second goal against Wolves, above. —

Phil Hay, The Athletic, 16 Jan. 2025 The result is sublime, like bar-band music heard in someone’s coolest dream. —

Giovanni Russonello, New York Times, 8 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for sublime

Recent Examples of Synonyms for sublime

Adjective

The noble fiber adds a unique shine and color to fabrics, including one made with French linen that uses no chemicals or water, resulting in fabrics with a brown tint.

— Angela Velasquez, Sourcing Journal, 29 Jan. 2025
But there’s also noble resilience in its depiction of solitude, a strange kind of comfort in its rapturous melancholy and companionship in the voices of the dead.

— David Rooney, The Hollywood Reporter, 27 Jan. 2025