Synonyms of glorious

glorious

adjective

ˈglȯr-ē-əs 

as in magnificent

large and impressive in size, grandeur, extent, or conception

the advent of the printing press in the West ushered in a glorious new era of learning

Synonyms & Similar Words

• magnificent
• epic
• majestic
• imposing
• proud
• massive
• grand
• royal
• impressive
• monumental
• wonderful
• regal
• splendid
• imperial
• heroic
• colossal
• operatic
• noble
• luxurious
• gallant
• tremendous
• remarkable
• grandiose
• marvelous
• formidable
• gorgeous
• lavish
• august
• extraordinary
• awesome
• sublime
• Homeric
• cosmic
• stately
• stupendous
• superb
• baronial
• wondrous
• terrific
• magnific
• extravagant
• monstrous
• heavenly
• prodigious
• divine
• awful
• sumptuous
• apocalyptic
• striking
• celestial
• princely
• inflated
• kingly
• sensational
• opulent
• redoubtable
• palatial
• overblown
• resplendent
• queenly
• pompous
• splendiferous
• lordly
• killer
• prepossessing
• palatine

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• humble
• modest
• unimpressive
• ordinary
• lowly
• common
• mediocre
• average
• unheroic
• unprepossessing
• sordid
• abject
• shabby
• unimposing
• mean
• meretricious
• trivial
• insignificant
• puny
• petty
• paltry
• trifling
• second-rate
• run-of-the-mill
• measly

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

Recent Examples of glorious

While there’s lots of fighting (and again, every fight scene is glorious fun and really makes a lot of recent Marvel movies look tame in comparison) there’s no blood or gore. — Erik Kain, Forbes.com, 23 July 2026

The Odyssey actor, 55, shed some light on his first glorious moments after securing his role as Odysseus in the film, which debuted in theaters July 17. — Rachel Raposas, PEOPLE, 22 July 2026

And Spain, glorious Spain, gave up just one goal in eight games to dethrone the reigning champions and become the first nation in history to own both the men’s and women’s World Cup titles at the same time. — Assistant Sports Editor, Los Angeles Times, 21 July 2026

Speaking of God, the pedal steel is capable of exaltation, too, the rise and fall of its strings able to emulate a glorious choir or a keening request or spread out like the cosmos itself. — Grayson Haver Currin, Pitchfork, 20 July 2026