resplendent

Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective resplendent contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of resplendent are glorious, gorgeous, splendid, sublime, and superb. While all these words mean "extraordinarily or transcendently impressive," resplendent suggests a glowing or blazing splendor.

resplendent in her jewelry

When might glorious be a better fit than resplendent?

Although the words glorious and resplendent have much in common, glorious suggests radiance that heightens beauty or distinction.

a glorious sunset

When can gorgeous be used instead of resplendent?

The words gorgeous and resplendent can be used in similar contexts, but gorgeous implies a rich splendor especially in display of color.

a gorgeous red dress

When is splendid a more appropriate choice than resplendent?

The synonyms splendid and resplendent are sometimes interchangeable, but splendid implies outshining the usual or customary.

the wedding was a splendid occasion

When would sublime be a good substitute for resplendent?

In some situations, the words sublime and resplendent are roughly equivalent. However, sublime implies an exaltation or elevation almost beyond human comprehension.

a vision of sublime beauty

When could superb be used to replace resplendent?

While in some cases nearly identical to resplendent, 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 resplendent The courtyard is anchored by a lush banyan tree, and a resplendent Art Deco dining room and bar encircle the boisterous patrons outdoors. Jeremy Repanich, Robb Report, 10 June 2025 Readers also paid particular attention to the classics this year, like The Roosevelt New Orleans, a Waldorf Astoria Hotel (No. 3), whose resplendent building dates back to 1893. Adam Erace, Travel + Leisure, 8 July 2025 These custom cars are often resplendent in artistry and automotive craftsmanship. Selika Josiah Talbott, Forbes.com, 30 June 2025 The next year, Stone shocked thrilled attendees at the Grammy Awards by taking the stage, resplendent in a huge blond mohawk hairdo, as his band roared through a number of hits during the show's salute to the seminal group. Marco Della Cava, USA Today, 10 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for resplendent
Recent Examples of Synonyms for resplendent
Adjective
  • The mansion’s marble stair hall focuses on a magnificent clock, designed by White and Saint-Gaudens, built into a wall and surrounded by the figures of the zodiac.
    Henry Wiencek July 22, Literary Hub, 22 July 2025
  • The building was a synagogue and the room, which had a magnificent candelabra chandelier at its center, had only a few candles lit.
    Rabbi Moishe Kievman, Sun Sentinel, 22 July 2025
Adjective
  • Nestled in the rolling hills of Somerset, Bath is a glorious English city that seduces with its honeyed townhouses, stately colonnaded crescents, swish spas, and timeless Roman relics.
    Lewis Nunn, Forbes.com, 31 July 2025
  • Season 5 was — to put it mildly — a glorious train wreck.
    Ana Gutierrez, Austin American Statesman, 31 July 2025
Adjective
  • The first act is as much theatrical performance as ballet with the dancers in their costumes signaling their social status as peasant or part of the noble retinue – there are even two beautiful Borzoi dogs that take the stage (and behaved perfectly).
    Tom Teicholz, Forbes.com, 2 Aug. 2025
  • Growing beautiful, healthy roses takes time and knowledge, but the rewards are great.
    Rita Perwich, San Diego Union-Tribune, 2 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • Charbroiled Island Creek Oysters At Walrus Rodeo in Miami, this gorgeous dish is made with jalapeño, Franciacorta, and breadcrumbs.
    Aly Walansky, Forbes.com, 29 July 2025
  • The gorgeous blooms and lush landscaping are more than worth the quick commute.
    Tara Massouleh McCay, Southern Living, 29 July 2025
Adjective
  • Made of solid and veneered walnut with elegant brass details, the Cotu (from the makers of our favorite bar cabinets) is a delightful midcentury-style bar cart that has a distinctive asymmetrical incline on each shelf.
    Yelena Moroz Alpert, Architectural Digest, 24 July 2025
  • Baden-Baden Nestled alongside Germany's southwestern Black Forest, Baden-Baden is an elegant town that has been attracting wellness lovers since the Roman times.
    Sofia Markovich, Travel + Leisure, 24 July 2025
Adjective
  • This week’s picks include a Park Slope two-bedroom with a pair of wood-burning fireplaces and a one-bedroom on Clinton Hill’s historic mansion row with a lovely triple-bay window.
    Matthew Sedacca, Curbed, 22 July 2025
  • Playful and complex, just a lovely wine to enjoy with friends.
    Katie Kelly Bell, Forbes.com, 22 July 2025
Adjective
  • Edmund is particularly exquisite in bringing to life the layered history of a location, transporting readers through the eyes of the famous who might have stared at the same monument.
    Michael T. Luongo July 11, Literary Hub, 11 July 2025
  • Where a few queens overdo the assignment, Daya’s duct-tape gown reminded that her bad-girl aesthetic still comes channeled through Daya’s exquisite taste.
    Chris Feil, Vulture, 11 July 2025
Adjective
  • Six planets will soon be aligning for a stunning celestial display.
    Diana Leyva, Nashville Tennessean, 29 July 2025
  • This was adapted as a limited series on Netflix and stars the transcendent Meghann Fahy and the equally stunning Nicole Kidman.
    Karin Slaughter, People.com, 29 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Resplendent.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/resplendent. Accessed 5 Aug. 2025.

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