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
  • The house offered symbolically fitting elements to the book‘s story and close proximity to the water, while also offering both a menacing and calm aura.
    — Lexy Perez, HollywoodReporter, 7 Oct. 2026
  • This changes when moving off-center past about 30 degrees, at which point the objects show a wide aura around them.
    — Will Greenwald, PC Magazine, 28 Sep. 2026
Definition of aura
Noun
  • Allen took matters into his own hands, rushing for 32 yards on the drive and getting well within field goal range for Tyler Bass to get his shot at glory.
    — Scott Thompson OutKick, FOXNews.com, 13 Oct. 2026
  • The story centers on an everyday girl who is handed an unlikely chance at glory through an unusual contest.
    — Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 12 Oct. 2026
Definition of glory
Noun
  • For solo diners, phone-free meals, unhurried pacing and intentional atmosphere can become part of the experience rather than optional extras.
    — Ashley Lynch, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 14 Oct. 2026
  • This includes sea levels and greenhouse gasses in the atmosphere.
    — Simmone Shah, Time, 14 Oct. 2026
Definition of atmosphere
Noun
  • By roasting the brussels sprouts snuggled into a blanket of grated Parmesan cheese, the cheese melts into a crispy, frico-like sheet that clings onto the sprouts, surrounding them in a lace-like halo.
    — Jesse Szewczyk, Bon Appetit Magazine, 11 Oct. 2026
  • During the showcase, the automaker’s new CEO Mark Leiters revealed that the company plans to build more exclusive halo projects going forward, including a mid-engine supercar.
    — Bryan Hood, Robb Report, 8 Oct. 2026
Definition of halo
Noun
  • That dustup is typically followed by a defense in Puck’s media newsletter, the reflexively anti-rank-and-file outlet where some media bosses and spokespeople go to air grievances about their unruly staff.
    — semafor.com, semafor.com, 19 Oct. 2026
  • There is an accumulation of dust on air vents and ceiling tiles in food preparation areas.
    — NWA Democrat-Gazette, Arkansas Online, 19 Oct. 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 20 Oct. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on nimbus

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about nimbus

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