nimbus

noun

ˈnim-bəs How to pronounce nimbus (audio)
Definition of nimbusnext
1
as in aura
a special quality or impression associated with something fans are inevitably disappointed when the nimbus of glamour about their favorite celebrity turns out to be an illusion

Synonyms & Similar Words

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2
as in glory
an artistic rendering of radiant light around the head or body of a sacred personage the nimbi for the sculpted figures around the exterior of the church are simple disks about the saints' heads

Synonyms & Similar Words

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 nimbus Beethoven’s music acquired its nimbus of divinity and settled into these capacious Xanadus. — Justin Davidson, Curbed, 16 Oct. 2024 The Ottoman artist chose to depict the prophet’s purity through the use of white fabrics, and his entire being as touched by the light of God via the large flaming nimbus that encircles his body. — Christiane Gruber, The Conversation, 9 Jan. 2023 All these flat shapes are limned by dark lines — the reverse of the delicate nimbus of light surrounding them in the original. — Washington Post, 4 Jan. 2023 O’Connell — Didi, to her intimates — is petite and nimble, with a queenly nimbus of red hair and a default expression, offstage anyway, of intent curiosity. — New York Times, 17 June 2022 See All Example Sentences for nimbus
Recent Examples of Synonyms for nimbus
  1. aura
  2. glory
  3. atmosphere
  4. halo
  5. air
  6. aureole
Noun
  • Knowing there was a 75-foot saltwater pool inside added to its otherworldly aura.
    — Bridget Read, Curbed, 1 Sep. 2026
  • On the other, its smoothness and seamlessness generate an aura of spiritual transcendence, something not unaffiliated with the Angeleno ethos.
    — Katy Barkan, Artforum, 1 Sep. 2026
Definition of aura
Noun
  • Owen Wolff, 21, was just a small child back then, watching his father play for MLS glory and represent America with the United States Men’s National Team.
    — PJ Green August 28, Kansas City Star, 28 Aug. 2026
  • How an Iowa baker turned backyard raspberries into State Fair glory, with recipe.
    — Courtney Crowder, Des Moines Register, 28 Aug. 2026
Definition of glory
Noun
  • The smoke is not expected to affect any major airports, even though smoke from a loft will remain in the atmosphere on Wednesday.
    — Lauren Bostwick, CBS News, 26 Aug. 2026
  • Outside the shrines, though, the atmosphere is almost festive.
    — Jane Arraf, NPR, 26 Aug. 2026
Definition of atmosphere
Noun
  • There are very few tools that can accurately assess skills, but relying on managerial judgment alone is fraught with biases like the halo, horn and recency effects.
    — Tonushree Mondal, Forbes.com, 1 Sep. 2026
  • Honey, compared to white sugar, has a bit of a health halo and is thought of as a better choice than refined sugars.
    — Sheah Rarback, Miami Herald, 28 Aug. 2026
Definition of halo
Noun
  • Put the cutting in a warm place with bright, indirect light, keep the soil evenly moist, and open the bag once each day to let in fresh air.
    — Alexandra Jones, The Spruce, 30 Aug. 2026
  • The apartment has long faced poor living conditions, including some units lacking power or air conditioning.
    — Dylan Lysen, Kansas City Star, 30 Aug. 2026
Definition of air
Noun
  • It is bordered by hummocky deposits, called aureoles, that were formed by landslides from the mountain.
    — Eric Berger, ArsTechnica, 20 May 2025
  • Jacob knew from photographs the goblin face, the aureole of whitening hair.
    — Lan Samantha Chang, Harper's Magazine, 14 Aug. 2023
Definition of aureole

Browse Nearby Words

nimbly
nimbus
nimiety
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Cite this Entry

“Nimbus.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/nimbus. Accessed 2 Sep. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on nimbus

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about nimbus

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