resplendent

adjective

re·​splen·​dent ri-ˈsplen-dənt How to pronounce resplendent (audio)
: shining brilliantly : characterized by a glowing splendor
meadows resplendent with wildflowersOutdoor World
resplendently adverb

Did you know?

Resplendent has a lot in common 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 over 175 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 Only one more day until October’s resplendent leafy bounty. Erik Kain, Forbes, 28 Sep. 2024 This serene location is perfect for a tranquil escape surrounded by resplendent natural beauty. Roger Sands, Forbes, 9 Sep. 2024 Splashes of blue and hits of resplendent metallics made up his splashy clothing. Robyn Mowatt, Essence, 5 Sep. 2024 Running the kitchens of the 6,000-square-foot, 310-seat restaurant, resplendent in gold and hunter-green accents, will be executive chef Dmitriy Kakuschke (ex-Bourbon Steak Nashville). Phillip Valys, Sun Sentinel, 3 Aug. 2024 See all Example Sentences for resplendent 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'resplendent.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of resplendent was in the 15th century

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Dictionary Entries Near resplendent

Cite this Entry

“Resplendent.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/resplendent. Accessed 14 Oct. 2024.

Kids Definition

resplendent

adjective
re·​splen·​dent ri-ˈsplen-dənt How to pronounce resplendent (audio)
: so bright as to seem to glow
fields resplendent with flowers
resplendent in a new red coat
resplendently adverb
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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