Definition of gloriousnext

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 Adobe Stock Marketing has always been part art, part science and part glorious chaos. Bernard Marr, Forbes.com, 23 June 2026 This glorious park, spread out over 200,000 acres, offers plenty of views of lush forests and waterfalls. Andrea Romano, Travel + Leisure, 23 June 2026 Some shows were educational, some were pure, glorious junk food for the mind, and others became cultural touchstones. Lauren Brown West-Rosenthal, Parents, 22 June 2026 This is a land of cranes and diesel big rigs and container boxes as far as the eye can see, along with the aging but still glorious Queen Mary anchored off the marina. Deputy Managing Editor, Los Angeles Times, 20 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for glorious
Recent Examples of Synonyms for glorious
Adjective
  • In the quarter-final, underdogs North Korea took a shock 3-0 lead over Portugal, but Eusebio inspired arguably the greatest comeback in World Cup history with a magnificent display, scoring four of Portugal’s five goals.
    Michael Cox, New York Times, 1 July 2026
  • Rafael Devers homered twice and drove in four runs as the San Francisco Giants beat the Atlanta Braves 5-0 on Saturday night behind Logan Webb's magnificent pitching.
    CBS News, CBS News, 27 June 2026
Adjective
  • In the spring of 2023, as epic winter snows melted, horse carcasses emerged along the shores of South Tufa and nearby Navy Beach.
    Lila Seidman, Los Angeles Times, 30 June 2026
  • The rise of the Roman empire across the Mediterranean widened the elite’s horizons for travel but narrowed their personal ambitions, and made romantic love a worthy subject for epic literature.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 30 June 2026
Adjective
  • El Tri won its first knockout match at a World Cup since 1986, beating Ecuador 2-0 on Tuesday night at the majestic Azteca Stadium packed with 80,824 fans.
    Assistant Sports Editor, Los Angeles Times, 1 July 2026
  • The North Main location is located in a majestic old north side landmark, a two-story red-orange brick building built in 1913 as a city police substation not long after Fort Worth annexed the former separate city of North Fort Worth.
    Bud Kennedy, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 30 June 2026
Adjective
  • The source of Soloviev’s angst lay in part in growing up with a father who was one of the more imposing, cantankerous figures in the history of New York real estate — a demographic with stiff competition.
    Reeves Wiedeman, Curbed, 22 June 2026
  • There’s Chateau de Fère and Les Crayères, which is very imposing and old-fashioned; a couple of very nice funky little boutique hotels (including one owned by the Selosse family who make amazing, and amazingly priced, grower Champagne) and lots of good chambres d'hôtes.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 4 June 2026
Adjective
  • Mamdani, proud of his socialist values, had developed a language for communicating a collective, interdependent vision of city life through his consistent emphasis on affordability.
    Hua Hsu, New Yorker, 22 June 2026
  • This is also where the film dips into the past and becomes awash in the proud history of Hawaiian surfing, bowing at the legend of the great Duke Kahanamoku and going deep into others and how the sport became such a religion for many, notably devotee Kristen.
    Pete Hammond, Deadline, 22 June 2026
Adjective
  • Atlanta Braves at Truist Park A massive Braves block party will take place in Truist Park on Saturday, with flyovers, baseball, fireworks and more.
    Irene Wright, USA Today, 3 July 2026
  • Artist Stan Herd created a massive quarter-acre Algerian flag earthwork near the Lied Center on west campus.
    Gary Bedore, Kansas City Star, 3 July 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Glorious.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/glorious. Accessed 3 Jul. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on glorious

Love words? Need even more definitions?

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

More from Merriam-Webster