resplendent

Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective resplendent contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of resplendent are glorious, gorgeous, splendid, sublime, and superb. While all these words mean "extraordinarily or transcendently impressive," resplendent suggests a glowing or blazing splendor.

resplendent in her jewelry

When might glorious be a better fit than resplendent?

Although the words glorious and resplendent have much in common, glorious suggests radiance that heightens beauty or distinction.

a glorious sunset

When can gorgeous be used instead of resplendent?

The words gorgeous and resplendent can be used in similar contexts, but gorgeous implies a rich splendor especially in display of color.

a gorgeous red dress

When is splendid a more appropriate choice than resplendent?

The synonyms splendid and resplendent are sometimes interchangeable, but splendid implies outshining the usual or customary.

the wedding was a splendid occasion

When would sublime be a good substitute for resplendent?

In some situations, the words sublime and resplendent are roughly equivalent. However, sublime implies an exaltation or elevation almost beyond human comprehension.

a vision of sublime beauty

When could superb be used to replace resplendent?

While in some cases nearly identical to resplendent, 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 resplendent All that illuminated us were dozens of votive candles at the base of her feet, most bearing Guadalupe’s resplendent image. Gustavo Arellano, Los Angeles Times, 13 Dec. 2024 And this was the only audible sound (besides the snow squeaking under my feet) — a greeting to the day’s early light and its resplendent clarity. Andriy Sodomora (tr. Sabrina Jaszi & Roman Ivashkiv), The Dial, 12 Dec. 2024 Last summer our Airbnb in Spain delivered resplendent views — and, several times an hour, the booming sound of an air cannon firing over a nearby orchard to scare away the birds. Megan Tady, People.com, 26 Dec. 2024 Just last month, Radio City completed the replacement of more than 10,000 linear feet of dimming neon tubes as part of a resplendent restoration of its wraparound Art Deco marquee and vertical signs. John Freeman Gill, New York Times, 24 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for resplendent 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for resplendent
Adjective
  • Just take Sotheby's royal and noble sale of magnificent jewels last year that achieved more than twice the estimate, showing the high demand of revival jewelry.
    Felicity Carter, Forbes, 20 Jan. 2025
  • And as for the celebrated Saturn 5, the magnificent machine that launched the Apollo astronauts to the moon?
    Jeffrey Kluger, TIME, 17 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • Karlsson was probably the biggest offender, as a couple of glorious Buffalo chances came as a result of his lapses.
    Josh Yohe, The Athletic, 17 Jan. 2025
  • That dance in and of itself is really glorious to me.
    Mike Miller, EW.com, 11 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • The album is often gorgeous and expansive, with several songs running over 8 minutes long that return to Homogenic’s palette of grand string arrangements and booming drums, as if Björk is soothing herself with beautiful melodies.
    Al Shipley, SPIN, 22 Jan. 2025
  • Creators on Etsy can take the fabric of a pet’s collar and turn it into jewelry, and there are even ways to turn their ashes or fur into beautiful keepsake memorials.
    Annemarie Dooling, USA TODAY, 22 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • Taking in gorgeous winter sunsets snuggled under blankets.
    Miles Walls, Southern Living, 18 Jan. 2025
  • On Wednesday night against the Minnesota Wild, Edmonton Oilers winger Ryan Nugent-Hopkins made a gorgeous deflection to tie the game at 3-3.
    Allan Mitchell, The Athletic, 17 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • An especially fun one is The Group, his soapy adaptation of the 1963 novel by Mary McCarthy, in which wedding guests lunch at the elegant old Brevoort Hotel before trailing the happy couple to the subway (and throwing rice down the stairs after them).
    Vogue, Vogue, 25 Jan. 2025
  • Regardless of whether it's worn as an elegant dress or in a classic button-up shirt, this shade demonstrates remarkable versatility while maintaining its impact.
    Marilú Almaguer, Glamour, 24 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • Here, instead of the mustard that’s included in many classic potato salad recipes, sour cream, vinegar, and briny pickles team up to lend a lovely amount of tartness to cut through the richness of the potatoes, eggs, and mayo.
    Karla Walsh, Better Homes & Gardens, 23 Jan. 2025
  • Declan Rice’s lovely half-volley had set Arsenal on their way to a 3-0 win against Dinamo Zagreb, almost guaranteeing a top-eight finish in the Champions League’s league phase and a bye straight to the round of 16.
    Art de Roché, The Athletic, 22 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • The offering includes an overnight stay at the hotel, a $200 dining credit to indulge in Chef Cabrera’s exquisite tasting menu, and a late checkout to savor every last moment of the getaway.
    Keyla Vasconcellos, Forbes, 13 Jan. 2025
  • But the beauty and sublime expressiveness of his voice transcends language as surely as Shorter’s exquisite, constantly probing musicianship.
    George Varga, The Mercury News, 12 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • Video on social media showed the explosion and its aftermath as remains of the spacecraft are seen breaking up in what looks like a stunning meteor shower.
    Eric Lagatta, USA TODAY, 18 Jan. 2025
  • Start shopping now to take advantage of the enormous deals and add some stunning new luxury items to your closet.
    Rachel Simon, Southern Living, 18 Jan. 2025

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Thesaurus Entries Near resplendent

Cite this Entry

“Resplendent.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/resplendent. Accessed 30 Jan. 2025.

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