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 For contemporary art with cocktails and pizza, head to the glorious gardens at the Four Seasons hotel with an ongoing sculpture exhibition and a lovely terrace restaurant. 3. Joanne Shurvell, Forbes.com, 13 June 2025 The Park Ji-hoon cameo K-dramas have a glorious tradition of random actor cameos shoehorned into the main plot in creative ways. Kayti Burt, Time, 11 June 2025 With 10 nominations from the Television Academy so far, including Outstanding Drama Series for Seasons 1 and 2, the horror series has marked a glorious renaissance for some of its biggest stars. Alison Foreman, IndieWire, 10 June 2025 Part Rambo, part Aliens, Predator features the kind of glorious Reagan-era overkill typical of its blockbuster age, marrying shoot-’em-up spectacle to an ingenious narrative hook. Will Leitch, Vulture, 9 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for glorious
Recent Examples of Synonyms for glorious
Adjective
  • And while in Reims, be sure to visit the magnificent Cathédrale de Reims.
    Joanne Shurvell, Forbes.com, 28 June 2025
  • Guest stars like Bob Odenkirk, Andy Samberg, Sam Richardson, and Patti Harrison bring magnificent energy to their segments, but the show's success primarily hinges on Robinson's unique sensibilities as a performer.
    Wesley Stenzel, EW.com, 26 June 2025
Adjective
  • Our goal was just to make everything epic and then slow it down and surprise the audience every now and then with something tender and sweet.
    Max Gao, IndieWire, 20 June 2025
  • Arden’s production, at once intimate and epic, comes through beautifully nonetheless on the larger stage.
    Charles McNulty, Los Angeles Times, 20 June 2025
Adjective
  • The drawings, which likely took hundreds of hours of hard work to create, are beautiful and almost majestic in their respect.
    The New Yorker, New Yorker, 16 June 2025
  • From humpback and killer whales to sea otters and sea lions, seeing these majestic creatures frolicking in their natural habitats is thrilling.
    Sharael Kolberg, Travel + Leisure, 15 June 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
  • Our more than 18,000 Bombardier employees are proud to welcome this new, important customer to our family.
    Doug Gollan, Forbes.com, 1 July 2025
  • But despite everything, we were driven by passion and the desire to achieve results, and many Italians who lived there as immigrants were proud of us.
    James Horncastle, New York Times, 30 June 2025
Adjective
  • Energy Prices The war between Israel and Iran had evoked fears of a regional conflict that results in massive civilian casualties, and disrupts the flow of energy and other trade through the region.
    Sara Braun, Fortune, 22 June 2025
  • As muscular as Lewis-Parry already is, special makeup effects supervisor John Nolan added even more muscles on top of his massive frame, especially to his back.
    Chris O'Falt, IndieWire, 21 June 2025
Adjective
  • The celebration, which drew arts and civic leaders for the first of three preview nights, was far grander than the concert on March 26,1965, that opened LACMA’s Leo S. Bing Theatre the night before the doors opened to the museum’s original galleries.
    Mark Swed, Los Angeles Times, 28 June 2025
  • The grand wedding of the fourth-richest person in the world in Italy's historic city has caused consternation online and in Venice and even forced the couple to change venues last-minute.
    Saman Shafiq, USA Today, 27 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Glorious.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/glorious. Accessed 5 Jul. 2025.

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