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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

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 splendid Go back and read a few of the splendid life stories from 2024. Carolyn Wells, Longreads, 13 Dec. 2024 In recent years, the parent company of Dewar’s has made a concerted effort to showcase the splendid malts being crafted here by the award-winning hands of Stephanie Macleod. Brad Japhe, Forbes, 15 Dec. 2024 The Colegio's expansive interior courtyard doubles as a dreamily quiet bar filled with potted plants, including two splendid palms from Sicily, making an idyllic, rainforest-like setting for a summer aperitivo. Tony Perrottet, Travel + Leisure, 14 Dec. 2024 And there, in that space between her chair and the bird hat, that’s where The Thought lived: a splendid ether, where love and gratitude resonated. Murr Brewster, The Christian Science Monitor, 12 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for splendid 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for splendid
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
  • Now is an excellent moment to be brave and explore new projects, people and plans.
    Kyle Thomas, People.com, 12 Jan. 2025
  • Every business has setbacks, project cancellations, and external events that can sap the energy from your team members and override the benefits of even the best people management efforts, including personal recognition and communication, and excellent team collaboration.
    Martin Zwilling, Forbes, 12 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • Here’s where and when to travel this year to see the most dazzling northern lights displays of 2025.
    Passport by ForbesLife, Forbes, 17 Jan. 2025
  • Most North American observers will be able to watch as the moon passes in front of more than a few stars in this cluster (called an occultation) within a few hours, amid the dazzling lunar glare.
    Joe Rao, Space.com, 9 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • The glorious few who still worry about the decline of Palm Beach society speculated wildly that Trump was planning to legalize gambling and build a casino, or — the truly frightening possibility — subdivide his acreage and sell houses.
    Miami Herald Archives, Miami Herald, 8 Jan. 2025
  • But its glorious catalog lay in disarray, waiting for an astute buyer willing to mine its precious gems.
    Ernesto Lechner, Los Angeles Times, 8 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • The property’s prime location is also close to the launch sites of the area’s famed hot air balloon rides, which are a wonderful way to take in the spectacular views of the otherworldly land formations.
    Sandra MacGregor, Forbes, 15 Jan. 2025
  • At 6-2, 202 pounds, Will Johnson has excellent size and length for a cornerback and would be a wonderful complement to Gardner.
    Antwan Staley, New York Daily News, 15 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • Others forecast that the comet could become even brighter, possibly becoming luminous enough to be visible during the daylight hours.
    Jess Thomson, Newsweek, 7 Jan. 2025
  • Black finds that radiant and luminous, or soft and natural matte finishes work best on mature skin.
    Angela Trakoshis, Allure, 23 Dec. 2024
Adjective
  • Standing in front of them is an epic mountain to climb.
    Dom Luszczyszyn, The Athletic, 16 Jan. 2025
  • Guida’s epic brawl with Diego Sanchez on the Ultimate Fighter Season 9 Finale was inducted into the UFC Hall of Fame in 2019.
    Brian Mazique, Forbes, 16 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • Houston’s defense was terrific Saturday, with four interceptions of Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert and four sacks.
    Pete Grathoff, Kansas City Star, 13 Jan. 2025
  • Green Bay will now need a terrific offseason to challenge the conference’s top teams.
    Rob Reischel, Forbes, 13 Jan. 2025

Thesaurus Entries Near splendid

Cite this Entry

“Splendid.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/splendid. Accessed 21 Jan. 2025.

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