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 Sweaters are about to make a brief but glorious cameo in the Sunshine State. Yacob Reyes, Axios, 2 Jan. 2025 As a bonus, as though anyone needed another reason to want to visit this city, viewers get an absolute blast of a tour of Tokyo’s public toilets and their glorious designs. Charlie Hobbs, Condé Nast Traveler, 19 Dec. 2024 The last shot of the whole thing was just this really happy, glorious moment. Benjamin Naddaff-Hafrey, Vulture, 18 Dec. 2024 Yet, during two glorious years, a plethora of fascinating albums were unleashed on the world. Jon Blistein, Rolling Stone, 18 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for glorious 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for glorious
Adjective
  • Several national parks, including Grand Teton, Glacier and, of course, Rocky Mountain, are all part of this magnificent mountain range, which stretches into Canada.
    Tracy Scott Forson, Smithsonian Magazine, 10 Jan. 2025
  • United, managed by Sir Alex Ferguson, had a magnificent side, yet the iconic picture doesn’t tell the whole story.
    Andy Mitten, The Athletic, 9 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • The project marks Maddock Films’ first venture into the historical epic genre and features Kaushal alongside Rashmika Mandanna and Akshaye Khanna.
    Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 16 Jan. 2025
  • Looking to experience all the epic zombie action from start to finish?
    Skyler Caruso, People.com, 16 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • The mountains are majestic, the skies can be very dramatic around sunset and the skiing is world class.
    Ryan Fonseca, Los Angeles Times, 8 Jan. 2025
  • The nearly 4-mile String Lake Loop Trail is shorter, and offers equally majestic mountain views.
    Elisabeth Sherman, Parents, 6 Jan. 2025
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
  • The proud dad, 40, and his oldest child made history in October 2024 by becoming the first father-son duo to play together in the NBA.
    Gabrielle Rockson, People.com, 15 Jan. 2025
  • Green would likely be proud of the award-winning bottles being produced today.
    Lisa Cericola, Southern Living, 15 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • Having a megadonor in your corner to entice the nation's best recruit will be a massive boon for Michigan and anyone else who is able to follow suit.
    Elizabeth Robinson, NBC News, 16 Jan. 2025
  • The utility has said enormous demand from the wildfire strained the water system, which has occurred in other areas contending with massive fires, and that about 20% of hydrants in the Palisades saw a loss in pressure.
    Richard Winton, Los Angeles Times, 16 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • Musk also has grand ambitions of sending the first Starships to Mars in late 2026, the next time that Earth and Mars line up, followed by crewed flights in 2028.
    Eric Lagatta, USA TODAY, 11 Jan. 2025
  • The grand canyon of Washington’s National Cathedral is seldom an easy venue for any speaker.
    Philip Elliott, TIME, 9 Jan. 2025

Thesaurus Entries Near glorious

Cite this Entry

“Glorious.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/glorious. Accessed 20 Jan. 2025.

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!