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 Spend three glorious days along the Colorado River jamming out to national and local bluegrass artists. Sarah Kuta, Denver Post, 14 May 2025 The boat anchors directly on the shoreline, where guests will disembark on the sand for a glorious beach day. Angela Caraway-Carlton, Miami Herald, 8 May 2025 Marchand had a glorious chance at another goal denied by Woll’s left pad in the late stages of the second period. Joshua Kloke, New York Times, 8 May 2025 Which is what makes David’s gesture so odd and so glorious. Dalton Ross, EW.com, 8 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for glorious
Recent Examples of Synonyms for glorious
Adjective
  • One-day entry costs $60 ($25 for students), or $80 for unlimited visits through Tuesday, a modest price for a magnificent experience to see masterpieces that may be on view for the first or last time.
    Natasha Gural, Forbes.com, 10 May 2025
  • In an era that looked as if it might be defined by an American man of depraved cruelty, corruption, and shame, what a magnificent thing the Catholic Church has done.
    Jason Lemon, MSNBC Newsweek, 10 May 2025
Adjective
  • An epic guide to the best motels in California The motel, a word born in California, turns 100 this year.
    Gustavo Arellano, Los Angeles Times, 16 May 2025
  • Former University of Kansas guard Christian Braun turned in an epic performance in an elimination NBA playoff game Thursday night, helping keep alive the Denver Nuggets’ hopes of advancing to the 2025 NBA Western Conference Finals.
    Gary Bedore, Kansas City Star, 16 May 2025
Adjective
  • Expect a three- to four-hour trek of moderate difficulty, but the majestic views of the rocky coastline from the top are worth the trip. Visit Jardin de L’Albarda.
    Liz Provencher, Travel + Leisure, 20 May 2025
  • In a place as old and majestic as Rome, even the mundane can contain fascinating remnants of history.
    Ari Daniel, Smithsonian Magazine, 15 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
  • Jaylon is a proud alumnus of the University of Georgia.
    Jaylon Thompson, Kansas City Star, 15 May 2025
  • The narrative continues to evolve, due in no small part to proud descendants of Hiram, James and Wallace.
    Jacoba Urist, Smithsonian Magazine, 15 May 2025
Adjective
  • The massive undersea volcano reaches more than 3,600 feet above the seabed is located 300 miles offshore.
    Elizabeth Weise, USA Today, 17 May 2025
  • Comments Getting to the end of Survivor is a massive accomplishment.
    Dalton Ross, EW.com, 16 May 2025
Adjective
  • Every little helps, obviously, but in the grand scheme of things, slipping down a spot on the final day won’t hurt too much in domestic terms.
    James McNicholas, New York Times, 9 May 2025
  • Employee recognition does not always mean a grand gesture.
    Phil Portman, Forbes.com, 9 May 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Glorious.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/glorious. Accessed 23 May. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on glorious

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!