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 This dialectic was part of a flourishing realm of glorious language. Richard Brody, New Yorker, 23 Sep. 2025 Then, after two glorious weeks of passable good health, my body started to ache. Literary Hub, 22 Sep. 2025 Saturn’s annual opposition is a glorious moment for anyone with any telescope. Jamie Carter, Forbes.com, 20 Sep. 2025 Make some time for Phillip Buckingham’s glorious, dizzying day this morning. Chris Branch, New York Times, 15 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for glorious
Recent Examples of Synonyms for glorious
Adjective
  • All of them have been magnificent.
    Kirsty Hatcher, PEOPLE, 2 Oct. 2025
  • Oh, and the triumphant return of Jake's magnificent Toruk beast, too.
    Jeff Spry, Space.com, 1 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • But when the cameras stop rolling, the set turns into an epic dance party.
    Breanne L. Heldman, PEOPLE, 4 Oct. 2025
  • Liz and Dick fell in love on the set of Cleopatra, the ridiculously expensive and lavish epic love story of the ancient Egyptian queen and the Roman general Mark Antony.
    Rob Sheffield, Rolling Stone, 4 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Senior receiver Trond Grizzell has a majestic name and a 6-foot-4 frame, while freshman QB Jaron-Keawe Sagapolutele didn’t take long to make an impression at the college level.
    Steven Louis Goldstein, New York Times, 1 Oct. 2025
  • The record often feels morbid and majestic at the same time.
    Allaire Nuss, Entertainment Weekly, 29 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • 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
  • Drafted in the second round, 50th overall, last year out of TCU, the physically imposing, 6-foot-6, 250-pound lefty debuted at the Single-A level in April.
    Jon Vankin, MSNBC Newsweek, 30 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • Central Texas has a proud tradition of producing and celebrating flavorful sodas.
    Taylor Tobin, Southern Living, 1 Oct. 2025
  • The godfather of modern West Indian fast bowling shakes his head slowly, having been reminded what happened the last time his once proud and near-invincible team played Test cricket.
    Paul Newman, New York Times, 1 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • The year Goldberg-Polin and her family arrived in Israel, the country launched Operation Cast Lead, a massive military operation aimed at halting intensifying Hamas mortar, missile and rocket fire terrorizing southern Israeli communities.
    Romina Ruiz-Goiriena, USA Today, 4 Oct. 2025
  • Roan performs on a set that looks like a massive Gothic castle with a drawbridge, parapets and a throne.
    Lisa Gutierrez, Kansas City Star, 3 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • More conventional Cup final heroes followed, including Matthews after football’s first knight finally got his hands on a winners’ medal in 1953 at the grand old age of 38 as Blackpool came from behind to triumph 4-3 against Bolton.
    Richard Sutcliffe, New York Times, 7 Oct. 2025
  • Long before celebrity chefs and social media buzz, the city’s neighborhoods were dotted with coffee counters, family-run diners and grand dining rooms.
    Elissa Robinson, Freep.com, 6 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Glorious.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/glorious. Accessed 8 Oct. 2025.

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