sublime

1 of 2

verb

sub·​lime sə-ˈblīm How to pronounce sublime (audio)
sublimed; subliming

transitive verb

1
: to cause to pass directly from the solid to the vapor state and condense back to solid form
2
[French sublimer, from Latin sublimare]
a(1)
: to elevate or exalt especially in dignity or honor
(2)
: to render finer (as in purity or excellence)
b
: to convert (something inferior) into something of higher worth

intransitive verb

: to pass directly from the solid to the vapor state
sublimable adjective
sublimer noun

sublime

2 of 2

adjective

sub·​lime sə-ˈblīm How to pronounce sublime (audio)
sublimer; sublimest
1
a
: lofty, grand, or exalted in thought, expression, or manner
b
: of outstanding spiritual, intellectual, or moral worth
c
: tending to inspire awe usually because of elevated quality (as of beauty, nobility, or grandeur) or transcendent excellence
2
a
archaic : high in place
b
obsolete : lofty of mien : haughty
c
capitalized : supreme
used in a style of address
d
: complete, utter
sublime ignorance
sublimely adverb
sublimeness noun

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Sublime vs. Sublimate

At first glance, the question of whether sublime and sublimate are related might seem like an easy one to answer, as they appear to come from the same source. However, the most common senses in which each of these words is used today are dissimilar enough to give pause. The two words are indeed related, and in some senses are in fact synonymous. Both share the meaning “to cause to pass directly from the solid to the vapor state and condense back to solid form,” although this is not widely used except among chemists. Sublime was first used as a verb with the above meaning, and after a century or two of such use took on the adjectival role in which it is often found today (“the concert was a sublime experience”). Sublimate has had several meanings as a verb (including “to elevate to a place of honor” and “to give a more elevated character to”) before coming to its common meaning today, which is “to divert the expression of (an instinctual desire or impulse) from its unacceptable form to one that is considered more socially or culturally acceptable.”

Choose the Right Synonym for sublime

splendid, resplendent, gorgeous, glorious, sublime, superb mean extraordinarily or transcendently impressive.

splendid implies outshining the usual or customary.

the wedding was a splendid occasion

resplendent suggests a glowing or blazing splendor.

resplendent in her jewelry

gorgeous implies a rich splendor especially in display of color.

a gorgeous red dress

glorious suggests radiance that heightens beauty or distinction.

a glorious sunset

sublime implies an exaltation or elevation almost beyond human comprehension.

a vision of sublime beauty

superb suggests an excellence reaching the highest conceivable degree.

her singing was superb

Examples of sublime in a Sentence

Verb … models indicate that frost in most of the southern hemisphere is currently subliming, thinning the surface deposits. William B. McKinnon et al., Encyclopedia Of The Solar System, 1999
The cursory remarks of the large-minded stranger, of whom he knew absolutely nothing beyond a commonplace name, were sublimed by his death, and influenced Clare more than all the reasoned ethics of the philosophers. Thomas Hardy, Tess of the D'Urbervilles, 1891
Adjective New Orleans is not just a list of attractions or restaurants or ceremonies, no matter how sublime and subtle. New Orleans is the interaction among all those things, and countless more. Tom Piazza, Why New Orleans Matters, 2005
Judging by the satisfied look that settles on both men's faces, the meal was sublime. Kathleen Brennan, Saveur, November 2004
Even when he is paying homage to her sublime beauty, he cannot resist inserting himself as the man responsible for unleashing that beauty's potency. Zoë Heller, New Republic, 21 May 2001
He composed some of the most sublime symphonies in existence. the sublime beauty of the canyon
Recent Examples on the Web
Verb
Imprinted in the light of these wisps of subliming vapor are the fingerprints of a comet’s chemical composition. Quanta Magazine, 29 Jan. 2020 Next, the ice will sublime out of them—that’s when water goes straight from ice to gas without turning to liquid first, remember? Kevin Dupzyk, Popular Mechanics, 8 Nov. 2018 While the TEB seemed like an awesome idea on paper, most of its advantages sublimed under scrutiny. Sebastian Anthony, Ars Technica, 5 July 2017
Adjective
The arrangements and orchestrations by Timo Andres are sublime — as are the vocalists: Elijah Lyons, Shara Nova and Tasha Viets-VanLear. Jesse Green, New York Times, 8 Mar. 2024 Good or bad, sublime or atrocious, the film represents this definitive arrest: the fixing of representation, once and for all. Elizabeth Barber, Harper's Magazine, 9 Feb. 2024 The ratios are typical of Porsche (read: longer than is ideal) but the shifter is sublime and the clutch is manageable. Kyle Hyatt, Robb Report, 1 Mar. 2024 Miami shed a shambolic preseason performance with a first half that was sublime. Greg Cote, Miami Herald, 22 Feb. 2024 Both are sublime portraits of complicated, older souls, one of whom is an excellent cook who expresses love through food. Leslie Felperin, The Hollywood Reporter, 16 Feb. 2024 With its crystalline waters and sublime beaches, Sardinia’s Costa Smeralda, a 20- kilometer tranche of seaside running along the island’s northeast coast, has been a go-to for the world’s elite for decades. Catherine Sabino, Forbes, 13 Feb. 2024 Inside, the music is soothing, the flowers are stunning, and the coffee is sublime. Matt Ortile, Condé Nast Traveler, 10 Feb. 2024 The Beinecke is sublime and the crown jewel among Yale’s batch of masterpiece, post-war buildings. Brian T. Allen, National Review, 8 Feb. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'sublime.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Verb

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

Adjective

Latin sublimis, literally, high, elevated

First Known Use

Verb

14th century, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

Adjective

circa 1567, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of sublime was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near sublime

Cite this Entry

“Sublime.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sublime. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

sublime

1 of 2 verb
sub·​lime sə-ˈblīm How to pronounce sublime (audio)
sublimed; subliming
: to change or cause to change from a solid to a gaseous form and sometimes back to solid form without passing through a liquid form

sublime

2 of 2 adjective
sublimer; sublimest
1
: grand or noble in thought, expression, or manner
sublime truths
2
: having an impressive quality that inspires awe
sublime beauty
sublimely adverb
sublimeness noun

Medical Definition

sublime

verb
sub·​lime sə-ˈblīm How to pronounce sublime (audio)
sublimed; subliming

transitive verb

: to cause to pass from the solid to the vapor state by heating and to condense back to solid form

intransitive verb

: to pass directly from the solid to the vapor state

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