Definition of splendidnext
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Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective splendid contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of splendid are glorious, gorgeous, resplendent, sublime, and superb. While all these words mean "extraordinarily or transcendently impressive," splendid implies outshining the usual or customary.

the wedding was a splendid occasion

When can glorious be used instead of splendid?

The synonyms glorious and splendid are sometimes interchangeable, but glorious suggests radiance that heightens beauty or distinction.

a glorious sunset

Where would gorgeous be a reasonable alternative to splendid?

The meanings of gorgeous and splendid largely overlap; however, gorgeous implies a rich splendor especially in display of color.

a gorgeous red dress

In what contexts can resplendent take the place of splendid?

The words resplendent and splendid can be used in similar contexts, but resplendent suggests a glowing or blazing splendor.

resplendent in her jewelry

When would sublime be a good substitute for splendid?

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

a vision of sublime beauty

When is superb a more appropriate choice than splendid?

The words superb and splendid are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, 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 splendid Even if your patio area is limited, your design style can still be splendid. Betsy Cribb Watson, Southern Living, 13 May 2026 Not-so-splendid splinter During a 1976 game against the Dodgers at San Diego Stadium, Padres left-hander Randy Jones was pitching to the Dodgers’ Bill Russell to lead off the seventh inning. Kirk Kenney, San Diego Union-Tribune, 24 Apr. 2026 It’s been splendid watching the weeping and gnashing of teeth from American MAGA supporters. Steven Greenhut, Oc Register, 17 Apr. 2026 While a paved patio can be great for modern furnishings, and stone can feel rugged, a grassy patio is a splendid pick for the more traditionally inclined among us. Rachel Davies, Architectural Digest, 15 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for splendid
Recent Examples of Synonyms for splendid
Adjective
  • The hotel houses a magnificent collection of 20th-century prints and drawings which hang throughout the bedrooms and public spaces; spot the Picasso and the Cocteaus in the Picteau Lounge Bar.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 2 June 2026
  • The Italian Lounge, for example, has a magnificent blue-and-gold ceiling imported from the Grimation Palace in Florence in the late 19th century.
    Harriet Marsden, TheWeek, 2 June 2026
Adjective
  • Delisle was fiery and wonderful, but the angel came later.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 3 June 2026
  • The retro American bar—with its picture windows right on the river—is a wonderful spot for a glass of fizz or a vintage Negroni.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 2 June 2026
Adjective
  • The highlight is a dazzling conjunction of Venus and Jupiter low in the west after sunset, joined briefly by Mercury.
    Jamie Carter, Forbes.com, 31 May 2026
  • The Mountaineers went 11-1 that season and shocked SEC champion Georgia in the Sugar Bowl, doing so with a dazzling offensive display led by lightning bug dual-threat quarterback Pat White.
    Austin Perry OutKick, FOXNews.com, 30 May 2026
Adjective
  • But the nation honored by the glorious moment still retains the power of recovery and renewal praised by Douglass.
    David Frum, The Atlantic, 31 May 2026
  • Some of you aren’t ready for this conversation, but McCartney’s past two decades have been the most glorious creative roll of his post-Beatles life.
    Rob Sheffield, Rolling Stone, 30 May 2026
Adjective
  • Seb Stafford-Bloor’s excellent Transfer Tiers series is moving on to central defenders today.
    Phil Hay, New York Times, 28 May 2026
  • The right-shot defenseman has had an excellent tournament for Finland, who advanced to the semifinals with a win over Czechia.
    Steve Conroy, Boston Herald, 28 May 2026
Adjective
  • Also in a luminous rose-gold-esque finish was Vipp’s first product, the humble pedal bin, created in 1939 by Holger Nielsen.
    Stephanie Sporn, Vogue, 27 May 2026
  • On the cleansing front, products are called Take One Cleansing Honey and MilkIt Cleansing Powder; serums with names like Satin Resurfacing and luminous Brightening, while Camera Ready serves as the range’s primer.
    James Manso, Footwear News, 27 May 2026
Adjective
  • Kornet played six minutes, missed all three of his shot attempts and finished with only two points, but the block was an epic moment.
    Tim Reynolds, Los Angeles Times, 31 May 2026
  • The Destroyer simply lacked the magic and ambition of the original, feeling light and camp instead of serious and epic.
    Mark Hughes, Forbes.com, 31 May 2026
Adjective
  • Wilson has had his most productive Premier League season by some distance, scoring 10 goals – compared to 12 across three previous top-flight campaigns with Fulham combined — and some of them have been superb, too.
    Cerys Jones, New York Times, 29 May 2026
  • These red carpet-worthy pieces include dramatically draping diamond necklaces, icy diamond and ruby bracelets, superb emerald and diamond jewels and celestial sapphire and diamond rings.
    Kyle Roderick, Forbes.com, 28 May 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Splendid.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/splendid. Accessed 3 Jun. 2026.

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