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 Known for its emphasis on work-life balance, connection with nature, and consistent place on the list of happiest countries in the world, Finland boasts gorgeous lakes, a robust sauna culture, incredible wildlife, northern lights spotting, and more. Evie Carrick, Travel + Leisure, 17 Oct. 2025 Accessible only by ferry, the car-free destination is a largely untouched paradise of gorgeous beaches, marshes, and maritime forests. Tara Massouleh McCay, Southern Living, 17 Oct. 2025 Special mention, too, goes to William David B John’s lush orchestrations and the show’s gorgeous choral work. Frank Rizzo, Variety, 17 Oct. 2025 Well, that’s…not a gorgeous knife wound. Emma Specter, Vogue, 17 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for gorgeous
Recent Examples of Synonyms for gorgeous
Adjective
  • SciAm always educates and delights me, and inspires a sense of awe for our vast, beautiful universe.
    Tara Haelle, Scientific American, 14 Oct. 2025
  • An enemy may have invaded your beautiful, green lawn, leaving it ugly and brown.
    Mary Marlowe Leverette, Southern Living, 14 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Regardless, Jones should still be a significant part of the rotation — his excellent field goal percentage and contributions in assists and steals are quite lovely.
    Stan Son, New York Times, 17 Oct. 2025
  • Undermining the existing system for partisan ends won’t make the picture look any lovelier.
    Michael Hiltzik, Twin Cities, 16 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • The Labubu craze doesn’t seem to be dying down any time soon, as new, mainstream, and rare editions are all in high demand, and fans often look for clothing and event advent calendars to accompany their cute yet scary figurines.
    Katie Decker-Jacoby, StyleCaster, 16 Oct. 2025
  • The girls want to be cute, too.
    Maggie Clancy, Footwear News, 15 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Old photographs show them on windblown mountain peaks, looking scruffily handsome and nearly indistinguishable.
    Eren Orbey, New Yorker, 13 Oct. 2025
  • Grant was dazzlingly handsome, of course, but something else about him had leapt off the screen and captured her imagination.
    Adrienne LaFrance, The Atlantic, 12 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • This development made Long Island, particularly after the end of World War II, a hugely attractive location for manufacturing, retail, and, later, the service economy.
    JSTOR Daily, JSTOR Daily, 18 Oct. 2025
  • Nineteen miles west of town, Drew’s client Mike and his wife, Carol, summered in a neighborhood of attractive homes along the meandering Bluebird Creek, formerly Bog Creek.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 17 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Expect the prettiest sunrise views every morning.
    Miriam Schwartz, Boston Herald, 16 Oct. 2025
  • And as the detractors predicted, the results were not pretty — at least, not in the moment.
    Fred Katz, New York Times, 16 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Their signature eyeshadow palette features a rainbow of enticing hues, including violet, emerald, and cobalt blue, housed in an equally stunning gold tin.
    Essence, Essence, 15 Oct. 2025
  • As if the stunning animation and rich worldbuilding weren’t enough, Arcane also has high-stakes lesbian tension — over the course of the show’s two seasons, Vi finds unexpected romance with Piltover enforcer Caitlyn (Katie Leung).
    Abby Monteil, Them., 15 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Gorgeous.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/gorgeous. Accessed 20 Oct. 2025.

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