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 The setting is Hedda and Tesman’s glorious English country house, sometime in the 1950s. Stephanie Zacharek, Time, 22 Oct. 2025 The ballroom is going to be glorious. Natalie Neysa Alund, USA Today, 22 Oct. 2025 As the show moves on from its glorious first hour, the last thirty minutes veer toward the saccharine. Helen Shaw, New Yorker, 20 Oct. 2025 In productions large or small — or, here, imperfectly in-between, though still glorious — everything is the service of the show that creates with words, music and movement a grand American tapestry — tears and all. Frank Rizzo, Variety, 17 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for glorious
Recent Examples of Synonyms for glorious
Adjective
  • Beneath the Sistine Chapel’s magnificent vaulted ceiling, painted by Michelangelo, Charles and Pope Leo XIV prayed together in a special ecumenical service – a first since at least the Reformation.
    Christopher Lamb, CNN Money, 23 Oct. 2025
  • The latest temporary exhibit at the Denver Museum of Nature & Science is pulling the cover back on one of the planet’s most magnificent animals.
    John Wenzel, Denver Post, 23 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • This is how Bertolt Brecht defined the aim of epic theater.
    Susan Sontag, Vogue, 26 Oct. 2025
  • Four straight losses, an SEC losing streak that has now reached 16 games, and Saturday’s epic collapse.
    Seth Emerson, New York Times, 26 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • After Guerrero hit his majestic homer in the third, the Blue Jays added two more while chasing Ohtani during their four-run seventh.
    Staff report, Oc Register, 29 Oct. 2025
  • This sparsely populated region of Canada, where majestic cliffs plunge into orca- and iceberg-filled waters, remains remote and mysterious even more than 1,000 years after the Norse explorer Leif Erickson landed there.
    John von Sothen, Air Mail, 25 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • In fact, the Sens could’ve benefitted from them being more imposing.
    Julian McKenzie, New York Times, 12 Oct. 2025
  • At the heart of the property is the tahona, used to grind the agave used to make mezcal; this one is solar-powered though no less imposing.
    Carley Rojas Ávila, Forbes.com, 16 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Like Meghan, Mookie is also a proud parent of two.
    Meredith Kile, PEOPLE, 29 Oct. 2025
  • Creating a brand that uplifts underrepresented communities is my proudest accomplishment.
    Essence, Essence, 29 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • The Jays capitalized on the Dodgers’ weak middle relief after chasing starter Blake Snell in the sixth inning to bust open a massive lead.
    Fabian Ardaya, New York Times, 25 Oct. 2025
  • How to Watch Boise State vs Nevada Boise State enters as a massive favorite, having only lost two games this year, while winning five.
    Ben Verbrugge, MSNBC Newsweek, 25 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • In 1898, architect René Binet unveiled his design for the Porte Monumentale, a grand three-legged archway intended to serve as the entrance portal to the upcoming 1900 Paris Exposition.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 28 Oct. 2025
  • Ellison, founder of Skydance Media, has grand ambitions for the entertainment giant.
    Brent Lang, Variety, 27 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Glorious.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/glorious. Accessed 31 Oct. 2025.

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