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

Deer-Proof Your Garden To keep your flowers from being gobbled up by deer—one of the most heartbreaking of all garden misfortunes—choose flowers that people find glorious and deer find disgusting. — Mary Alice Russell, Southern Living, 13 July 2026

There are few things more glorious than walking along the lake in my hometown. — Rima Suqi, Condé Nast Traveler, 10 July 2026

Citizens of the world, accept the ‘glorious liberty of the children of God,’ and be free! — Rob Nofsinger, Christian Science Monitor, 10 July 2026

And while the fair has always had an appetite for foods on a stick, novelty creations and glorious gut busters, the 2026 lineup pushes that spirit further than ever. — Susan Stapleton, Des Moines Register, 9 July 2026