Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective glorious contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of glorious are gorgeous, resplendent, splendid, sublime, and superb. While all these words mean "extraordinarily or transcendently impressive," glorious suggests radiance that heightens beauty or distinction.

a glorious sunset

When could gorgeous be used to replace glorious?

The words gorgeous and glorious are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, gorgeous implies a rich splendor especially in display of color.

a gorgeous red dress

When is it sensible to use resplendent instead of glorious?

The synonyms resplendent and glorious are sometimes interchangeable, but resplendent suggests a glowing or blazing splendor.

resplendent in her jewelry

Where would splendid be a reasonable alternative to glorious?

While in some cases nearly identical to glorious, splendid implies outshining the usual or customary.

the wedding was a splendid occasion

When might sublime be a better fit than glorious?

The meanings of sublime and glorious largely overlap; however, sublime implies an exaltation or elevation almost beyond human comprehension.

a vision of sublime beauty

When would superb be a good substitute for glorious?

While the synonyms superb and glorious are close in meaning, 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 glorious The navy carpet leading up the stairs to The Metropolitan Museum of Art served as a glorious buffet for our eyes to feast on. Taryn Finley, Refinery29, 6 May 2025 To cut yourself off from people is to lose your connection and way in a glorious, terrifying world. Mary Frances Ruskell, CNN Money, 2 May 2025 The Dordogne is a glorious landscape of winding rivers, centuries-old chateaux, prehistoric caves, and tricolor vineyards. Chrissie McClatchie, Travel + Leisure, 1 May 2025 The famed Avengers headquarters is the glorious Avengers Tower, which features prominently in Thunderbolts*. Barry Levitt, Vulture, 1 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for glorious
Recent Examples of Synonyms for glorious
Adjective
  • Ashford Castle – Ireland Originating from the 13th century, the magnificent Ashford Castle has a rich history, evolving from a medieval fortress to a grand luxury retreat adorned with antiques and artwork.
    Jim Dobson, Forbes.com, 29 Apr. 2025
  • At Khanqah-e-Moula, the city’s magnificent eighteenth-century mosque, Friday prayers were banned.
    Andrew Marantz, New Yorker, 28 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • In the case of former journalist Miguel Gálvez, his particular obsession has a lofty specificity to it, the makings of an epic crusade.
    Ernesto Lechner, Rolling Stone, 3 May 2025
  • All of them have a track record of battling, years of grinding to — and at — the top, epic moments fueled by legendary resolve.
    Marcus Thompson II, New York Times, 3 May 2025
Adjective
  • The majestic photo of the pair is just one moment caught in time.
    Amanda Kooser, Forbes.com, 6 May 2025
  • There are no closing hours at the Colorado park, so visitors can make their way to Chasm View Overlook, Dragon Point Overlook, or Sunset View Overlook on the South Rim; or Chasm View Nature Trail or Kneeling Camel Overlook on the North Rim to get a glimpse of the majestic night sky.
    Lydia Mansel, Travel + Leisure, 5 May 2025
Adjective
  • The far more imposing limit is MLS’s global standing.
    Jeff Rueter, The Athletic, 8 Feb. 2025
  • And on the other hand, in a world where most of their top arms remain healthy and effective, the Dodgers could possess one of the most imposing starting pitching staffs in recent memory.
    Jack Harris, Los Angeles Times, 18 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • Cheech Marin and Tommy Chong are proud of the state of stoner comedy.
    Angela Andaloro, People.com, 3 May 2025
  • The proud regionality of Italy is one such example and this book shows it off beautifully.
    Wilder Davies, Bon Appetit Magazine, 2 May 2025
Adjective
  • So far, the Warner Bros. video game adaptation has generated a massive $398 million in North America.
    Rebecca Rubin, Variety, 4 May 2025
  • Yet even as the party showcases a solidly deep bench of experience 2028 contenders, there is a nagging narrative, mostly in media circles, that Democrats should mimic the GOP by eloping with a non-traditional candidate with a massive entertainment or social media footprint.
    Phillip M. Bailey, USA Today, 4 May 2025
Adjective
  • Ramzi wore hers with a 1984 Oscar de la Renta gown to The Frick’s grand reopening gala.
    Talia Abbas, Vogue, 29 Apr. 2025
  • That kind of grand expectation adds pressure to what feels like an already complex decision.
    Ruthie Ackerman, Time, 29 Apr. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Glorious.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/glorious. Accessed 11 May. 2025.

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