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 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 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 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
  • Bubblegum pink nails with strawberry auras are fit for a day at the fair.
    — Ariel Wodarcyk, InStyle, 29 June 2026
  • The color palette shifts among black and white, sepia-toned, and some gray-green patina to really nail the foreboding aura.
    — Jason P. Frank, Vulture, 29 June 2026
Definition of aura
Noun
  • Among the iconic historic items that guests can enjoy are a 1920s wooden carousel that Hardy had restored and hand painted to its former glory where kids and families now ride and enjoy for free.
    — Kelly McCarthy, ABC News, 3 July 2026
  • Four more properties were restored to their former glory over the years, the last of which was the 1909 home of Morgan’s grandson Robert Zabriskie, the work of which was finished in 2019.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 2 July 2026
Definition of glory
Noun
  • The experience feels less like touring a luxury property and more like being welcomed into someone’s home—the atmosphere the team set out to create.
    — Tia Lovisa Moreira, Travel + Leisure, 2 July 2026
  • As Norway has advanced in the World Cup, the atmosphere has grown more frenzied in the country than even during a summer or winter Olympics, Tufte said.
    — Andrew Greif, NBC news, 1 July 2026
Definition of atmosphere
Noun
  • The roots of the GTO, like so many of Ferrari’s other halo cars, can be traced back to motorsports, in this case the then-new FIA Group B category.
    — Bryan Hood, Robb Report, 29 June 2026
  • The sun, directly behind me, gave my shadow a halo.
    — Will Mackin, New Yorker, 28 June 2026
Definition of halo
Noun
  • The summit also comes as NATO faces pressure to maintain its support for Ukraine and adapt to a battlefield shaped by rapid technological development in drones, air defenses and industrial capacity.
    — Elsa Ohlen, CNBC, 6 July 2026
  • The region’s air quality alerts associated with the Fourth of July concluded Sunday afternoon.
    — Sandra McDonald, Los Angeles Times, 6 July 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 8 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on nimbus

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about nimbus

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