Definition of gorgeousnext

Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective gorgeous contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of gorgeous are glorious, resplendent, splendid, sublime, and superb. While all these words mean "extraordinarily or transcendently impressive," gorgeous implies a rich splendor especially in display of color.

a gorgeous red dress

Where would glorious be a reasonable alternative to gorgeous?

While in some cases nearly identical to gorgeous, glorious suggests radiance that heightens beauty or distinction.

a glorious sunset

When would resplendent be a good substitute for gorgeous?

The words resplendent and gorgeous are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, resplendent suggests a glowing or blazing splendor.

resplendent in her jewelry

When could splendid be used to replace gorgeous?

While the synonyms splendid and gorgeous are close in meaning, splendid implies outshining the usual or customary.

the wedding was a splendid occasion

When is it sensible to use sublime instead of gorgeous?

The synonyms sublime and gorgeous are sometimes interchangeable, but sublime implies an exaltation or elevation almost beyond human comprehension.

a vision of sublime beauty

When can superb be used instead of gorgeous?

Although the words superb and gorgeous have much in common, 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 gorgeous Critic’s Pick A gorgeous and devastating documentary follows a father obsessively looking for his missing son. — Alissa Wilkinson, New York Times, 28 Oct. 2026 There’s nothing gayer than shading an obviously gorgeous woman’s body just out of spite. — Brian Moylan, Vulture, 28 Oct. 2026 This season, even quiet luxury all-timer The Row showed gorgeous, beaded, colorful tops, while the stark whites and creams that still dominated the collection were paired with chunky beaded necklaces and lace and crochet detailing. — Madeleine Schulz, Vogue, 28 Oct. 2026 Amazon’s latest Echo Show smart display is big, gorgeous, and eye-wateringly expensive. — Jennifer Pattison Tuohy, The Verge, 28 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for gorgeous
Recent Examples of Synonyms for gorgeous
Adjective
  • Michael Kamen did this beautiful piece for the biggest battle of the movie, which was really low-key and very sad and drawn out, almost like slow motion, and put against the action.
    — Brian Hiatt, Rolling Stone, 1 Nov. 2026
  • The beautiful thing concerned an eighty-seven-year-old problem, the Jacobian conjecture.
    — Rivka Galchen, New Yorker, 1 Nov. 2026
Adjective
  • This also had a boat trip included, a lovely way to cool off after a day walking Barcelona’s lanes.
    — Jaymi McCann, TheWeek, 3 Nov. 2026
  • This rigid, eye-catching collar makes a lovely focal point over plunging necklines and high-collar dresses alike.
    — Jake Henry Smith, Glamour, 2 Nov. 2026
Adjective
  • At their on-screen meet cute, Apatow hands Bamford $500 cash just to pitch her on her own documentary.
    — Tony Maglio, HollywoodReporter, 23 Oct. 2026
  • The showstopper is a very cute idea where each baker has to make a dessert cart with at least three classic desserts on it.
    — Brian Moylan, Vulture, 23 Oct. 2026
Adjective
  • No-brainer options included handsome denims with a curving leg and neo-suiting playing on mixing rather than matching sets.
    — Lily Templeton, Footwear News, 29 Oct. 2026
  • Critic’s notebook As the Mamdani administration, and cities across America, grapple with affordable housing, two handsome complexes in Queens and Brooklyn show signs of progress.
    — Michael Kimmelman, New York Times, 28 Oct. 2026
Adjective
  • Butner recently installed a new hot water heater and dishwasher and replaced the flooring in hopes of making the property more attractive.
    — Alex Veiga, Los Angeles Times, 28 Oct. 2026
  • For example, goldfinches, cardinals, chickadees, and other non-migratory birds seek out the attractive seedheads of black-eyed Susans.
    — Nadia Hassani, The Spruce, 28 Oct. 2026
Adjective
  • The arrival, by black car transfer from the Honolulu airport to a private airport and then a quick flight on a private jet, is pretty swank.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 23 Oct. 2026
  • Think Pink For brides looking for an alternative color to the classic white wedding dress, the fall 2027 season’s answer comes through ample designs in pretty shades of pink.
    — Emily Mercer, Footwear News, 22 Oct. 2026
Adjective
  • Within two years, an initial examination determined the meteorite hailed from Mars; scientists are now finally digging deeper, with stunning results.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 2 Nov. 2026
  • But perhaps the most stunning aspect of the crackup was how hard senior Democrats had worked to avoid it.
    — Nicholas Wu, semafor.com, 2 Nov. 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Gorgeous.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/gorgeous. Accessed 4 Nov. 2026.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster