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 Tracing the length of one of these wild, winding promontories is the glorious, 46-mile Queen Charlotte Track, says Helen Pickles in The Times. The Week Uk, TheWeek, 30 Aug. 2026 His particular favorites are Yeung’s Green Zebra tomatoes, the Brandywines, and the glorious red-gold Pineapples. Anne Ewbank, Sacbee.com, 28 Aug. 2026 Those software companies like Adobe, though, continued to climb, while his glorious tech socks fell off a cliff. Frank Landymore, Futurism, 27 Aug. 2026 Fruit from the cacao tree contains beans that, when dried and roasted, produce chocolate in all its glorious forms. ArsTechnica, 27 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for glorious
Recent Examples of Synonyms for glorious
Adjective
  • As Katia Schörle, one of the experts featured in the film, explains, wild animals embodied a world that was both magnificent and terrifying.
    Roberto Prieto, Variety, 8 Sep. 2026
  • Drawing on the rich architectural heritage here, magnificent historic properties have been turned into elegant boutique hotels, not only in the capital but also in tranquil villages across the island.
    Robb Report Studio, Robb Report, 5 Sep. 2026
Adjective
  • On Day 9, a big move at the top of the women’s game, two epic men’s matches and some surprising doubles drama.
    Ava Wallace, New York Times, 8 Sep. 2026
  • But Khrzhanovsky’s original idea, for an epic biopic on the life of Landau, never completely disappeared though.
    Scott Roxborough, HollywoodReporter, 8 Sep. 2026
Adjective
  • Two engaged couples posed for wedding photos in between joggers, dog walkers and sightseers who clamored around Osprey Street to enjoy the day’s majestic sunset.
    Andrew J. Campa, Los Angeles Times, 8 Sep. 2026
  • Crafted from the finest, lightest tweed, the dress—chosen by stylist Ramona Tabita—features a sumptuous knotted structure that opens into a generous back neckline and culminates in a majestic train that skims the red carpet.
    Giacomo Aricò, Vogue, 5 Sep. 2026
Adjective
  • When houses squeeze into their lots, vehicles grow more imposing, and storefronts battle for attention, the problem is no longer simply whether something is beautiful or ugly.
    Debbie Millman, Time, 18 Aug. 2026
  • Propaganda posters from the era from both the democratic United States and the Axis powers surround the imposing, heavy-duty boots, covered in animal hair and insulation.
    Douglas Markowitz, Miami Herald, 14 July 2026
Adjective
  • Bob Howell, executive vice president and chief sales officer at Manhattan Associates, said Boscov’s has a proud history of knowing their customers and communities.
    Arthur Zaczkiewicz, Footwear News, 3 Sep. 2026
  • The proud mom posed alongside her kids in one cute snap showing each of her children holding a chalkboard sign with details of their first day.
    Kirsty Hatcher, PEOPLE, 3 Sep. 2026
Adjective
  • Alongside those, Barca make massive amounts from merchandise, reflecting the club’s global appeal.
    Chris Weatherspoon, New York Times, 11 Sep. 2026
  • The second was King Philip’s War in the 1670s, which was a massive uprising in response to the harms of colonialism.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 11 Sep. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Glorious.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/glorious. Accessed 12 Sep. 2026.

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