Sublime — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

verb adjective /sə-ˈblīm/ sub·lime

Meaning & Definition of Sublime

Sublime (verb)

  1. to cause to pass directly from the solid to the vapor state and condense back to solid form
  2. to elevate or exalt especially in dignity or honor
  3. to render finer (as in purity or excellence)

Sublime (adjective)

  1. lofty, grand, or exalted in thought, expression, or manner
  2. of outstanding spiritual, intellectual, or moral worth
  3. tending to inspire awe usually because of elevated quality (as of beauty, nobility, or grandeur) or transcendent excellence

Sublime (adjective) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. causing wonder or astonishment

    "the sublime beauty of the firmament"

    similar: amazing, astonishing, astounding, awesome, awful, eye-opening, fabulous, marvelous, miraculous, portentous, prodigious, staggering, stunning, stupendous, surprising, wonderful, wondrous
    related: incomprehensible, inconceivable, incredible, unbelievable, unimaginable, unthinkable, extraordinary, phenomenal, rare, sensational, spectacular, singular, uncommon, unique, unusual, unwonted, conspicuous, notable, noticeable, outstanding, remarkable, impressive, smashing, striking, mind-bending, mind-blowing, mind-boggling, animating, energizing, enlightening, enlivening, exciting, galvanizing, invigorating, stimulating, alluring, attracting, attractive, beguiling, bewitching, captivating, charming, enchanting, entertaining, enthralling, fascinating, interesting
    near: unimpressive, uninspiring, unremarkable, boring, dull, jading, monotonous, tedious, tiring, uninspired, uninteresting, wearisome, weary, wearying, common, customary, mundane, normal, ordinary, typical, unexceptional, usual, draining, enervating, exhausting, fatiguing, wearing, debilitating, enfeebling, demoralizing, discouraging, disheartening, dispiriting

  2. 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"

    similar: big, chivalrous, elevated, gallant, great, greathearted, high, high-minded, lofty, lordly, magnanimous, natural, noble
    related: ennobled, exalted, glorified, heroic, honorable, valiant, venerable, worthy, knightly, princely, regal, inspiring, moving, numinous, uplifting, august, magnificent, majestic
    opposite: base, debased, degenerate, degraded, ignoble, low
    near: sordid, squalid, vile, wretched, abominable, contemptible, despicable, detestable, hateful, offensive, repulsive, ugly, vicious, dastardly, dirty, lousy, sorry, little, mean, narrow, small-minded, degrading, discreditable, humiliating, ignominious, coarse, crude, vulgar

Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for Sublime

The most common words with a similar meaning to Sublime:

amazing, astonishing, astounding, awesome, awful, eye-opening, fabulous, marvelous, miraculous, portentous, prodigious, staggering, stunning, stupendous, surprising, wonderful, wondrous, big, chivalrous, elevated, gallant, great, greathearted, high, high-minded, lofty, lordly, magnanimous, natural, noble

Antonyms & Opposite Words for Sublime

Words with the opposite meaning of Sublime:

base, debased, degenerate, degraded, ignoble, low

Related Words for Sublime

incomprehensible, inconceivable, incredible, unbelievable, unimaginable, unthinkable, extraordinary, phenomenal, rare, sensational, spectacular, singular, uncommon, unique, unusual, unwonted, conspicuous, notable, noticeable, outstanding, remarkable, impressive, smashing, striking, mind-bending, mind-blowing, mind-boggling, animating, energizing, enlightening

Near Antonyms of Sublime

unimpressive, uninspiring, unremarkable, boring, dull, jading, monotonous, tedious, tiring, uninspired, uninteresting, wearisome, weary, wearying, common, customary, mundane, normal, ordinary, typical, unexceptional, usual, draining, enervating, exhausting, fatiguing, wearing, debilitating, enfeebling, demoralizing

Word Forms of Sublime

Inflections: sublimed, subliming, sublimer, sublimest

Derived words: sublimable (adjective), sublimer (noun), sublimely (adverb), sublimeness (noun)

Origin & Etymology of Sublime

Middle English, from Middle French sublimer, from Medieval Latin sublimare to refine, sublime, from Latin, to elevate, from sublimis

First known use: 14th centuryt

Words & Phrases Containing Sublime

the sublime

Frequently Asked Questions about Sublime

What does "Sublime" mean?

"Sublime" means to cause to pass directly from the solid to the vapor state and condense back to solid form. As an a verb and an adjective, it is defined as: to cause to pass directly from the solid to the vapor state and condense back to solid form. It has 2 distinct senses.

What is another word for "Sublime"?

Other words for "Sublime" include amazing, astonishing, astounding, awesome, awful, eye-opening, fabulous and marvelous. The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Sublime" you intend.

What are different ways to say "Sublime"?

There are 95 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "Sublime". Common alternatives include amazing, astonishing, astounding, awesome, awful, eye-opening, fabulous, marvelous, miraculous and portentous.

What is the opposite of "Sublime"?

Antonyms of "Sublime" include base, debased, degenerate, degraded, ignoble and low. Near antonyms include unimpressive, uninspiring, unremarkable and boring.

How do you use "Sublime" in a sentence?

Examples of "Sublime" in a sentence: "the sublime beauty of the firmament"; "the sublime virtue of having given all one's worldly goods to the poor".

Is "Sublime" a noun, verb, or adjective?

"Sublime" can be used as a verb and an adjective, depending on the context.

How do you pronounce "Sublime"?

"Sublime" is pronounced /sə-ˈblīm/ and divided into syllables as sub·lime.

What is the origin of the word "Sublime"?

"Sublime" comes from Middle English, from Middle French sublimer, from Medieval Latin sublimare to refine, sublime, from Latin, to elevate, from sublimis. First known use: 14th centuryt.