rapture 1 of 2

noun

ˈrap-chər How to pronounce rapture (audio)
Definition of rapturenext
as in ecstasy
a state of overwhelming usually pleasurable emotion in The Nutcracker Clara gazes in rapture as the Christmas tree grows before her very eyes

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

rapture

2 of 2

verb

as in to delight
to fill with overwhelming emotion (as wonder or delight) nature lovers will be raptured by the documentary's breathtaking cinematography

Synonyms & Similar Words

Synonym Chooser

How is the word rapture distinct from other similar nouns?

The words ecstasy and transport are common synonyms of rapture. While all three words mean "intense exaltation of mind and feelings," rapture usually implies intense bliss or beatitude.

in speechless rapture

How do ecstasy and rapture relate to one another?

Ecstasy and rapture both suggest a state of trance or near immobility produced by an overpowering emotion; ecstasy may apply to any strong emotion (such as joy, fear, rage, adoration).

religious ecstasy

When might transport be a better fit than rapture?

In some situations, the words transport and rapture are roughly equivalent. However, transport applies to any powerful emotion that lifts one out of oneself and usually provokes vehement expression or frenzied action.

in a transport of rage

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 rapture
Noun
Despite their success — statistically, Mexico’s best ever two opening World Cup games in their history — compare the mood in Guadalajara to the rapture which greeted the performances of fellow hosts United States and Canada. — Jacob Whitehead, New York Times, 19 June 2026 Just four minutes later, Baggio doubled the Italians’ lead with a swift half-volley, sending the capacity crowd inside of New Jersey’s Giants Stadium into raptures. — Shaun Goodwin june 8, Idaho Statesman, 8 June 2026
Verb
For a movie about an apocalyptic clash of vampires and gangsters, Sinners has moments of unexpected jubilance, even rapture. — A.a. Dowd, Rolling Stone, 17 Apr. 2025 Dispensationalism has an offensive reputation among many Jews because the End Times prophecy outlines an event in which Jews suffer mass slaughter while Christian believers are spared because God raptured them. — Liam Adams, The Tennessean, 22 Nov. 2024 See All Example Sentences for rapture
Recent Examples of Synonyms for rapture
  1. ecstasy
  2. delight
  3. heaven
  4. entrance
  5. joy
  6. transport
  7. happiness
  8. please
Noun
  • The passage is eerily similar to Salinger’s own state of mind while in uniform, specifically on a day that should have evoked ecstasy.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 10 Aug. 2026
  • Such is the ecstasy, the agony, of judgment, which was never for their benefit.
    — Lauren Michele Jackson, New Yorker, 8 Aug. 2026
Definition of ecstasy
Verb
  • In the last two months, New York City’s Radio City Music Hall hosted two ‘80s British music triple bills that delighted fans of the golden MTV era.
    — David Chiu, Forbes.com, 30 Aug. 2026
  • This is a prospect that particularly delights Lady Eliza Spencer, Princess Diana’s niece and Prince Harry’s cousin.
    — Mathilde Engelmann, Vanity Fair, 29 Aug. 2026
Definition of delight
Noun
  • And thanks to Tucson’s extraordinarily dark heavens, the Sonoran skyscape takes center stage with Peace Among the Stars.
    — Robb Report Studio, Robb Report, 28 Aug. 2026
  • Sounds like heaven to me, but your security posture mileage may vary!
    — Davey Winder, Forbes.com, 6 Aug. 2026
Definition of heaven
Verb
  • The current members are entrancing, boasting a gorgeous blend of voices and guitar.
    — Classical Music Critic, Los Angeles Times, 26 Aug. 2026
  • Peter Flinckenberg’s lively lensing and engagement with the distinctive light conditions of the location add an entrancing glow to the proceedings.
    — Leslie Felperin, HollywoodReporter, 18 Aug. 2026
Definition of entrance
Noun
  • Choose one small goal, keep it affordable, and let joy build through action.
    — Tarot.com, The Orlando Sentinel, 29 Aug. 2026
  • Thank you for the memories, the friendship, and for bringing joy to generations of fans.
    — Christa Swanson, CBS News, 28 Aug. 2026
Definition of joy
Verb
  • Wolf sets out to recover the items needed for a ritual that will transport him to the Divine Dragon’s abode.
    — Aman Kumar, Encyclopedia Britannica, 27 Aug. 2026
  • And soon Scotty’s got a new task, too, after A’Sha transports him to a Jeffries tube to get the pod ready.
    — Keith Phipps, Vulture, 27 Aug. 2026
Definition of transport
Noun
  • Research has even found a positive relationship between higher income and reported happiness.
    — True Tamplin, Forbes.com, 29 Aug. 2026
  • Being single again felt like a step backward, further away than ever from happiness.
    — Andrea Javor, Los Angeles Times, 28 Aug. 2026
Definition of happiness
Verb
  • Investor-pleasing language can substitute for a distinctive customer system.
    — Steve Denning, Forbes.com, 31 Aug. 2026
  • The trust’s president and CEO, Brent Leggs, said the group was disappointed with the decision but pleased with Roberts’ dissent.
    — Lindsay Whitehurst, Chicago Tribune, 31 Aug. 2026
Definition of please

Browse Nearby Words

raptorial
rapture
raptured
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Cite this Entry

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

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