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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 With nominees such as Cynthia Erivo, Angelina Jolie, Mikey Madison, Timothée Chalamet, and Demi Moore, there will surely be plenty of splendid fashion moments to take in. Vogue, 7 Feb. 2025 Hauled by maroon Double Fairlie locomotives, this route twists and spirals up through craggy mountainsides and quiet woodlands before finishing at the old slate mining town of Blaenau Ffestiniog, where the views are splendid. James March, Travel + Leisure, 3 Feb. 2025 For eons, these creatures have thrived across the azure waters of the Maldives—and in the modern era, the Manta Retreat provides the perfect opportunity to marvel at these splendid fish in the flesh. Jared Ranahan, Forbes, 24 Jan. 2025 Helen responds very kindly, and everyone does a splendid job. Alice Burton, Vulture, 19 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for splendid 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for splendid
Adjective
  • Regenstein Hall, which houses the exhibition, looks magnificent.
    Lori Waxman, Chicago Tribune, 17 Feb. 2025
  • Connecting with your kindred will be magnificent now.
    Kyle Thomas, People.com, 16 Feb. 2025
Adjective
  • With its affordable price, this coverlet is an excellent value for the quality.
    Rebecca Jones, Southern Living, 17 Feb. 2025
  • Lucas Bergvall and Dejan Kulusevski are excellent at carrying the ball and driving into space.
    Jay Harris, The Athletic, 17 Feb. 2025
Adjective
  • While the internals aren't dazzling, the 14th-generation Intel i5 processor is more than speedy enough to tackle standard productivity tasks, Web browsing and media streaming.
    K. Thor Jensen, PCMAG, 11 Feb. 2025
  • One of the biggest events will be the always dazzling and campy Eurovision Song Contest Grand Finale, which will be staged in St. Jakobshalle arena on Saturday, May 17.
    Adam H. Graham, AFAR Media, 10 Feb. 2025
Adjective
  • Our groceries are full of glorious winter citrus, which adds brightness to this ethereal dessert, which is bound to entice your Valentine.
    Martin Sorge, Chicago Tribune, 11 Feb. 2025
  • The latest immersive work from documentary master Claire Simon takes us into Makarenko, a public elementary school in the Parisian suburb Ivry-sur-Seine, over the course of a school year, staying attentive to the glorious unpredictability of human interaction and the revelations of learning.
    Samantha Bergeson, IndieWire, 10 Feb. 2025
Adjective
  • Parker Hall The Best MagSafe Accessories for Your New iPhone The weird, wonderful world of MagSafe accessories can make your smartphone feel modular.
    Julian Chokkattu, WIRED, 20 Feb. 2025
  • One pole of the action is the Green Dolphin Hotel, where Hezekiah and Alec finally find a place to land, and where Hezekiah’s ability to speak Chinese, a legacy from a Chinese grandmother, endears him to the proprietor, Mr. Lao (Jason Tobin, quiet and wonderful); some Elephants are around as well.
    Robert Lloyd, Los Angeles Times, 20 Feb. 2025
Adjective
  • The luminous cores of distant, ancient galaxies, quasars expel jets of energetic matter.
    Ashley Strickland, CNN, 13 Feb. 2025
  • Astronomers have spotted 21 hypervelocity stars in the last two decades, all of them B-type main-sequence stars that are more massive, luminous and bluer than the Sun (these stars are easier to spot than other stars in these kinds of surveys).
    The Physics arXiv Blog, Discover Magazine, 11 Feb. 2025
Adjective
  • The performance was so epic that the stadium's power temporarily went out afterward — though officials said the two events were not related, according to the Los Angeles Times.
    Diane J. Cho, People.com, 8 Feb. 2025
  • During the epic speech, the Destiny’s Child singer thanked Blue Ivy Carter and gave a shout-out to her family.
    Elizabeth Ayoola, Essence, 6 Feb. 2025
Adjective
  • Warren is the more physically dominant prospect, while Loveland is an elite route runner and terrific receiver at 240-plus pounds.
    Nick Baumgardner, The Athletic, 18 Feb. 2025
  • Paz is terrific, a woman with everything thrown at her while trying to keep her family together.
    Pete Hammond, Deadline, 16 Feb. 2025

Thesaurus Entries Near splendid

Cite this Entry

“Splendid.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/splendid. Accessed 23 Feb. 2025.

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