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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 Every tour kicks off with a scenic ride on its state-of-the-art aerial gondola—an experience unmatched by any other winery in the world—which transports visitors to a sublime hilltop complex inspired by the Cycladic architecture of Mykonos. Robb Report Studio, Robb Report, 2 Nov. 2024 Her coiffed wig is a sublime oceanic wave of blonde, and her mode in this series is that of powerful matriarch, someone who, with the disposition of ice and steel, spends a great deal of time trying to contain the public fallout of a murder that threatens to ruin her family and her reputation. Nicholas Quah, Vulture, 26 Oct. 2024 Meanwhile, in the work of the list’s four Arizona firms, the state’s sublime tradition of Desert Modernism, solidified most notably throughout Phoenix in the 1950s in the single-family work of Alfred Beadle, continues statewide with resolute spiritedness. Richard Olsen, Forbes, 30 Oct. 2024 Tourists, a sublime riff on the classic roadside motel in North Adams, lures a local crowd with creative cocktails, board games and a cozy lounge designed for fall evenings by the fire. Lauren Matison, New York Times, 10 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for sublime 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sublime
Adjective
  • In the Price family, going to prison was seen as a badge of honor, or a rite of passage; but the reality of it doesn’t feel half as noble as the idea.
    Rafaela Bassili, Vulture, 14 Nov. 2024
  • No matter how well-intentioned a policy goal or noble a humanitarian cause, there are always tradeoffs to weigh before deciding on a course of action.
    Dan Ikenson, Forbes, 4 Nov. 2024
Adjective
  • When Salomon rebuilt the Stance 96 last year, the iconic French brand redirected its focus toward off-piste freeride terrain with astonishing success.
    Outside Editors, Outside Online, 11 Nov. 2024
  • Economic concerns especially drove his astonishing inroads with young and minority voters.
    Larry Diamond, Foreign Affairs, 8 Nov. 2024
Adjective
  • The increase in net loss is due to the decrease in sales being greater than the decrease in operating expenses.
    Quartz Bot, Quartz, 14 Nov. 2024
  • Nancy talks about how great Guy and Chock seem to be and tells Joan not to give all this power to Pascal.
    Alice Burton, Vulture, 14 Nov. 2024
Adjective
  • In a testament to the power of libraries creating a sense of community through programs, a patron shared a wonderful anecdote recently with our youth services librarian, Melissa Burke.
    Barbara D. Hathaway, Austin American-Statesman, 22 Nov. 2024
  • It’s got wonderful culture, interesting history, amazing attractions and businesses.
    Duante Beddingfield, Detroit Free Press, 21 Nov. 2024
Adjective
  • Another edition went for $5.7 million on a $6 million high estimate at Christie’s New York in 2009.
    Brian Boucher for ArtNews, Robb Report, 23 Nov. 2024
  • Howard crushed it, setting a high bar, but Doechii was ready to respond.
    Rolling Stone, Rolling Stone, 23 Nov. 2024
Adjective
  • It’s got wonderful culture, interesting history, amazing attractions and businesses.
    Duante Beddingfield, Detroit Free Press, 21 Nov. 2024
  • The staff was so kind and welcoming, and the food was amazing.
    Spencer Whaley, Forbes, 21 Nov. 2024
Adjective
  • Albert Suárez stepped in to pitch a gallant five innings but understandably could not go more on short notice.
    Childs Walker, Baltimore Sun, 9 Aug. 2024
  • Follow the generally gallant writer of this newsletter on Threads @jimreineking 🧵.
    Jim Reineking, USA TODAY, 25 June 2024
Adjective
  • Trump has touted tariffs as a miraculous cure to just about every domestic and international strain, from war to child care to high grocery prices.
    Sareen Habeshian, Axios, 20 Nov. 2024
  • The miraculous orange was renamed the Washington navel orange.
    Patt Morrison, Los Angeles Times, 22 Sep. 2024

Thesaurus Entries Near sublime

Cite this Entry

“Sublime.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sublime. Accessed 28 Nov. 2024.

More from Merriam-Webster on sublime

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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