resplendent

adjective

re·​splen·​dent ri-ˈsplen-dənt 

: shining brilliantly : characterized by a glowing splendor

Meadows resplendent with wildflowers …

—Outdoor World

resplendently adverb

Did you know?

Resplendent shares a root with splendid (meaning, among other things, “shining” or “brilliant”), splendent (“shining” or “glossy”), and splendor (“brightness” or “luster”). Each of these glowing terms gets its shine from the Latin verb splendēre (“to shine”). In the case of resplendent, the prefix re- added to splendēre formed the Latin resplendēre, meaning “to shine back.” Splendent, splendor, and resplendent were first used in English during the 15th century, but splendid didn’t light up our language until almost 200 years later; its earliest known use dates from the early 1600s.

Choose the Right Synonym for resplendent

splendid, resplendent, gorgeous, glorious, sublime, superb mean extraordinarily or transcendently impressive.

splendid implies outshining the usual or customary.

the wedding was a splendid occasion

resplendent suggests a glowing or blazing splendor.

resplendent in her jewelry

gorgeous implies a rich splendor especially in display of color.

a gorgeous red dress

glorious suggests radiance that heightens beauty or distinction.

a glorious sunset

sublime implies an exaltation or elevation almost beyond human comprehension.

a vision of sublime beauty

superb suggests an excellence reaching the highest conceivable degree.

her singing was superb

Examples of resplendent in a Sentence

The fields were resplendent with flowers.

She looked resplendent in her green evening gown.

a bird with resplendent yellow feathers

Recent Examples on the Web

Throw open the French doors, step onto the balcony, and you’ll be greeted with a view of the resplendent lawns that stretch all the way to the water. —Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 3 June 2026

Botanist Brie Langley guides Porowski amid resplendent greenery and offers him a close-up look at a massive waterlily named after Queen Victoria. —Laura Manske, Forbes.com, 31 May 2026

Meaning that even with the curious and disorienting turn of the signage, Arrowhead still figures to be resplendent in the worldwide spotlight. —Kansas City Star, 12 May 2026

Meanwhile, Brighton’s graphic is resplendent with greener, thicker lines. —Conor O'Neill, New York Times, 22 Apr. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Latin resplendent-, resplendens, present participle of resplendēre to shine back, from re- + splendēre to shine — more at splendid

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for resplendent

• appendant
• ascendant
• attendant
• defendant
• dependant
• dependent
• descendant
• descendent
• intendant
• transcendent
• codefendant
• independent

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Kids Definition

resplendent

adjective

re·​splen·​dent ri-ˈsplen-dənt 

: so bright as to seem to glow

fields resplendent with flowers

resplendent in a new red coat

resplendently adverb