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

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 resplendent Exploring France’s Loire Valley is a surreal affair, with its blend of ancient Gaelic history, resplendent Renaissance châteaus, and vineyards with roots in an era that makes the American mind, with our comparatively infant 250-year history, malfunction. Joe Baur, Travel + Leisure, 17 Aug. 2025 From the album cover to her countdowns and teasers—which may include some of the costumes from the final leg of the Eras tour—everything has been resplendent in a cheery shade of tangerine orange. Kara Nesvig, Allure, 14 Aug. 2025 Levers is visually resplendent and a sonic marvel. Christian Zilko, IndieWire, 7 Aug. 2025 Mary and Irene sit behind him, resplendent in full period white skirts. The Detroit News, Chicago Tribune, 6 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for resplendent
Recent Examples of Synonyms for resplendent
Adjective
  • While not a musical, the show does feature an extraordinary musical score that perfectly accompanies magnificent visuals.
    Rick Mauch, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 24 Sep. 2025
  • Weeping delights in the exalted, the sublime, the magnificent — a symphony, a vista, megafauna, even a brilliant dissertation.
    Big Think, Big Think, 23 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • However, your best bet for seeing the glorious reds, oranges, or yellows of the oak, hickory, and maple trees along the route will be mid to late October.
    Lydia Mansel, Travel + Leisure, 28 Sep. 2025
  • And yes, some of them are still only publicly available in glorious 360-pixel formats.
    James Factora, Them., 26 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Then something really beautiful happens.
    Tom Smyth, Vulture, 1 Oct. 2025
  • The fish was a beautiful, rich color and had great flavor, but the pieces were uneven in shape and size, with some of them clearly cut from the center of the fish and some from the thinner ends.
    Alaina Chou, Bon Appetit Magazine, 30 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • The animation styles, varying from episode to episode, are all dynamic and gorgeous, paying homage to both a classic anime style and Star Wars' own more wry feeling.
    Kevin Jacobsen, Entertainment Weekly, 28 Sep. 2025
  • Gomez is seen wearing a gorgeous white gown, and Blanco looked dapper in a black suit and bowtie.
    Sara Vallone, Miami Herald, 28 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Her blonde hair was parted at the side and tucked low in an elegant bun in the back.
    Angel Saunders, PEOPLE, 27 Sep. 2025
  • The elegant car, original down to the paint, is a legacy that will be passed on to her daughter.
    Laura Lane, USA Today, 27 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • The desserts are quite lovely (the cookies and cream cheesecake was my personal favorite), and each sandwich is just as delicious as the next.
    Nicole Hoey, Robb Report, 26 Sep. 2025
  • Reader Vicki Casey from Huntersville, North Carolina, shared this lovely recipe created by her thrifty mother-in-law that uses the juice leftover from canned pineapple to make a beautiful pie.
    Josh Miller, Southern Living, 26 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • In short, in both proclamations Lincoln was a consummate lawyer who paid exquisite attention to questions of constitutionality and scrupulously honored his oath of office to act under the Constitution, not over or outside it.
    Akhil Reed Amar, Time, 22 Sep. 2025
  • The family-friendly production boasts custom scenery, exquisite costumes.
    Marcia Luttrell, San Diego Union-Tribune, 21 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • To experience everything that wintertime Zürich has to offer, book a room at La Réserve Eden au Lac Zürich, a five-star hotel with stunning Lake Zürich views and spaces designed by Philippe Starck.
    AFAR Media, AFAR Media, 24 Sep. 2025
  • The surrounding views of Verrado and the desert are genuinely stunning, especially at sunrise.
    Tiffany Acosta, AZCentral.com, 24 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Resplendent.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/resplendent. Accessed 1 Oct. 2025.

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