Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective glorious contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of glorious are gorgeous, resplendent, splendid, sublime, and superb. While all these words mean "extraordinarily or transcendently impressive," glorious suggests radiance that heightens beauty or distinction.

a glorious sunset

When could gorgeous be used to replace glorious?

The words gorgeous and glorious are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, gorgeous implies a rich splendor especially in display of color.

a gorgeous red dress

When is it sensible to use resplendent instead of glorious?

The synonyms resplendent and glorious are sometimes interchangeable, but resplendent suggests a glowing or blazing splendor.

resplendent in her jewelry

Where would splendid be a reasonable alternative to glorious?

While in some cases nearly identical to glorious, splendid implies outshining the usual or customary.

the wedding was a splendid occasion

When might sublime be a better fit than glorious?

The meanings of sublime and glorious largely overlap; however, sublime implies an exaltation or elevation almost beyond human comprehension.

a vision of sublime beauty

When would superb be a good substitute for glorious?

While the synonyms superb and glorious are close in meaning, superb suggests an excellence reaching the highest conceivable degree.

her singing was superb

Examples 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 glorious Book now at Red Roof White Elephant Nantucket Book a stay at the glorious White Elephant Nantucket, an eight-time Readers' Choice Award winner and one of the properties included on our 2024 Gold List. Jamie Spain, Condé Nast Traveler, 4 Dec. 2024 Only God Was Above Us feels like a thought experiment that came to glorious life; an elegant solution to an earthy conundrum; and an ingeniously clever album that resounds deep in the gut. Pitchfork, 3 Dec. 2024 Shark Vacuum Deals In addition to its glorious hair tools, Shark is known for its no-fuss, all-suction vacuums. Annie Blackman, Allure, 2 Dec. 2024 And by the first full weekend of December, people are allowed a peek at the horticultural feat: 50,000 glorious poinsettias, bursting with color and ready to be taken home or sent off to churches, schools, and offices in the nearby city—or shopped by visitors! Kaitlyn Yarborough, Southern Living, 1 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for glorious 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for glorious
Adjective
  • One of Estoril’s top hotels is the magnificent Palacio Estoril, a 5-star hotel renowned for its exceptional Spa and Wellness offerings.
    Joanne Shurvell, Forbes, 13 Dec. 2024
  • The magnificent decor, courtesy of Bronson Van Wyck, continued to draw on the work with a rose arch, decadent centerpieces, and towering candles.
    Ian Malone, Vogue, 12 Dec. 2024
Adjective
  • Building something epic means protecting your time.
    Jodie Cook, Forbes, 17 Dec. 2024
  • Kate Rhodes James One of the most remarkable feats of Ridley Scott’s swords and sandals epic is his ability to blend disparate acting styles into a tasty feast of spectacle and earnestness, delicious camp and high stakes.
    Steven Gaydos, Variety, 16 Dec. 2024
Adjective
  • Shortly after noon Sunday, the waters eight miles off the coast of Newport Beach were broken by an unusual, if not majestic, sight.
    Andrew J. Campa, Los Angeles Times, 9 Dec. 2024
  • As the doors swung open, choirs filled the air with song and the cathedral's great organ -- silent since the fire -- resounded with majestic melodies.
    THOMAS ADAMSON AND SYLVIE CORBET THE ASSOCIATED PRESS, arkansasonline.com, 9 Dec. 2024
Adjective
  • The most imposing constructions, hidden by nature, towered above the tree canopy.
    Anna Lagos, WIRED, 2 Nov. 2024
  • The Foundling certainly sounds like a more imposing leader in the long term than the country’s autocrat-of-the-day, right?
    Scott Tobias, Vulture, 17 Mar. 2024
Adjective
  • As of this week, there’s even a new Glossier product on the block sure to make Emily Weiss proud, a chubby eye shadow stick that’s excellent for accentuating even the most natural of makeup looks.
    Kiana Murden, Vogue, 16 Dec. 2024
  • Funny Christmas jokes for kids, knock-knocks, memes to make dad proud How to prepare for winter 2024 — from freezing pipes to driving in snow and ice Who created Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer?
    Ana Rocío Álvarez Bríñez, The Courier-Journal, 16 Dec. 2024
Adjective
  • Atlanta moves to 7-7 on the year, which is massive considering the tight NFC South race at the moment.
    Scott Thompson, Fox News, 17 Dec. 2024
  • The deluxe release marks another chapter in the SOS era, which has been nothing short of massive.
    Jessica Lynch, Billboard, 17 Dec. 2024
Adjective
  • The interior features seven bedrooms, 11 baths, and a two-story foyer for the grandest of entrances.
    Claudia Williams, Architectural Digest, 12 Dec. 2024
  • Seating up to 14 guests, formal dining here becomes a grand affair with an open fire and flickering candles casting shadows across the beamed room.
    Angelina Villa-Clarke, Forbes, 12 Dec. 2024

Thesaurus Entries Near glorious

Cite this Entry

“Glorious.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/glorious. Accessed 21 Dec. 2024.

More from Merriam-Webster on glorious

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!