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 Held at Palisade’s Riverbend Park, this event is a glorious celebration of our state’s wine scene. Sarah Kuta, Denver Post, 7 July 2025 Hit the ground running like Iron Man with this line of coffee in all its glorious forms — pods, instant, ground, and whole bean. Alyssa Grabinski, People.com, 7 July 2025 The library’s glorious 1911 Beaux Arts building on Fifth Avenue, while free and open to the public, is physically intimidating—cold in its marble grandeur, confusing in its labyrinthine layout. Brian Schaefer july 7, Literary Hub, 7 July 2025 Many of the 88 rooms also have glorious sea views and, in contrast to the riot of pattern in the public spaces, have a quieter aesthetic. Angelina Villa-Clarke, Forbes.com, 7 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for glorious
Recent Examples of Synonyms for glorious
Adjective
  • Paleontologists have spent decades hotly debating why such magnificent beasts went extinct, the emerging picture involving a one-two punch of increasing human influence on the landscape and a warmer interglacial climate that began to change the world’s ecosystems.
    Riley Black, Smithsonian Magazine, 11 July 2025
  • The July full moon put on a magnificent show on July 10, rising low over the southern horizon to the delight of stargazers and astrophotographers worldwide.
    Anthony Wood, Space.com, 11 July 2025
Adjective
  • What began in 2020 as a loose constellation of 20-some galleries and art institutions opening their doors to visitors has evolved into an epic smorgasbord of exhibitions, performances, collaborations, and dance parties, not to mention sound, floral, and who knows what other kinds of installations.
    Lauren Mechling, Vogue, 14 July 2025
  • After Red Bull Sacking Emerson Fittipaldi was also present at the event with other popular faces from the F1 paddock who took the wheel of epic racing cars, such as Brown, Vowles, and Aston Martin managing partner Adrian Newey.
    Saajan Jogia, MSNBC Newsweek, 14 July 2025
Adjective
  • Matt Damon and Chris Hemsworth have become regular visitors while A-listers from Julia Roberts to Tom Hiddleston and the Rolling Stones have been spotted at the city’s majestic Maria Cristina hotel.
    Eddi Fiegel, Robb Report, 17 July 2025
  • The fort’s majestic presence not only symbolizes the Caribbean flavors of Puerto Rican heritage, but also serves as a reminder of the influences that have shaped Towers’ unique artistry.
    Ingrid Fajardo, Billboard, 17 July 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
  • Local entrepreneur and proud Macedonian Gordana Traycoff will lead the discussion with an evening of storytelling and cultural discovery.
    Post-Tribune, Chicago Tribune, 14 July 2025
  • Old Fitzgerald, the once proud brand with a century-long legacy, was tossed into the Bernheim sale like an extra trading card between kids to sweeten the deal, not to headline it.
    Chris Perugini, Forbes.com, 14 July 2025
Adjective
  • After China fired ballistic missiles at American bases in Japan, the fighting exploded, with the U.S. launching massive strikes against the mainland and Japanese jets attacking Chinese ships.
    Dexter Filkins, New Yorker, 14 July 2025
  • Until now, the most massive back hole merger was GW190521, detected in 2020.
    ArsTechnica, ArsTechnica, 14 July 2025
Adjective
  • But as long as the world’s elite want gleaming sinks and grand columns in mansions and company headquarters — and as long as global industries use chemical fillers for things like concrete and toothpaste — the quarries are unlikely to close.
    Meara Sharma, The Dial, 22 July 2025
  • More significantly, all four stations have translucent roofs that, aside from offering decent shade and shelter, feel to us like a bit of a neighborhood nod to the grand terminals of old.
    The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 22 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Glorious.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/glorious. Accessed 25 Jul. 2025.

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